It is such positions that caused Kicanas NOT to be elected head of the USCCB. As vice chairman, he was in line to be given the chairman seat. However, for the first time in many years, if at all, his position was not elevated. Dolan was made Chairman. The USCCB finally is in the hands of traditional Catholic Bishops such as Dolan of NY and Chaput of Philadelphia and quite a few others. Hopefully, it will stay in their control and continue moving back to supporting traditional Catholic positions.
Dolan and Chaput are indeed bright spots. But the newest Archbishop who was just appointed to the Diocese of New Orleans has always been a good ol’ boy with the heirarchy. He has never had a parish. He is in his mid 60s. Back in 1981 he was made a monsignor when he was only a priest for a few years. In that year many parish priests were made monsignors after being priests for many years and most of them had been pastors of their churches for a while. Yet he got the promotion right away. He has always worked directly for the Archdiocese, was made an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Austin Texas in the 1990s, and then Bishop a few years after that. Last year he was named Archbishop of his home town. He’s always been one of the insiders. He’s not about to rock the boat. In fact, he was pleased with 0s supposed reversal last week. IMO his soul has been sold to the devil many years ago.
The Bernardin bishops are still numerous. Can’t expect more than lip-service in the fight against Obama care. What could the USCCB been thinking when it agree to deal with the likes of Kathleen Gilligan? Chaput was once a Democrat but has seen the light., so he will use stronger language than Dolan.