I don't know what's wrong with the RC Church....Apr. 2004

NOTE: The following text is an excerpt from an e-mail I recently received. The writer is neither an activist nor a passivist. Rather he is an individual who has a sincere concern for his Church. His words speak their own message.
JCB

I don't know what's wrong with the RC Church. Maybe it's the way the hierarchy and laity interact. Too many priests tend to become martinets, with the support of their bishops, in the way they run their parishes. Their lack of consideration for the concerns of the laity in matters Not Relating to faith or morals causes most of the Church's obvious problems.

Did you ever see or listen to Bernstein's Mass? It was written by Leonard Bernstein for the opening of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Some years ago I attended a 10th Anniversary performance at the Kennedy Center. I am sorry that I didn't read the libretto before attending the performance because it would have better prepared me for the experience. It presents a very strong statement perceived by Bernstein about the problem between the hierarchy and laity of the Catholic Church. It was so strong in fact that during the performance some people got up and walked out! However, it was one of my epiphanies and I thought it was right on the mark. I encourage you to see a performance, either live or on DVD (if available). If you listen on a CD, try to follow with a libretto. Let me know what you think.