To the Editor:
After more than 50 years as a church employee, organist-music director, I have some observations and practical solutions for the recent church scandals.
The recent problems have caused much weakening of faith and support for church leadership. It is difficult for many people to understand that it is not the theology that has caused the “eruption,” but rather the human weaknesses of the leadership.
The leadership structure in the Catholic Church (hierarchy) is a man-created organization that has elements of medieval monarchial aristocracy.
A simple and practical solution is found in the governing system of Religious Orders.
A superior (local or general) is elected for a six-year term after which the superior must return to the “ranks” and perform the major work of the order for at least three years.
Our bishops, cardinals and pope would have a six year term after which they would return to the work of a parish priest for three years before being eligible to be elected to a leadership role again. No kingdoms would be created, nor would ecclesiastical leaders forget the major role of the clergy-ministering to the faithful.
Dr. Thomas A. Tufo
Hebron
