Cardinal Egan on SSPX...Tweaked

Had I been asked to review Cardinal Egan’s statement on SSPX, I would've suggested he seize the opportunity to express a bit of teshuva (repentance) and perhaps some gratitude. I would've also suggested a couple of line breaks to enhance readability to make it seem less perfunctory.

Here’s what went out:

As Archbishop of New York, I add my voice to that of the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in rejecting Williamson’s words as hurtful, baseless, and outrageous. It is my prayer that all of our Jewish brothers and sisters understand that we in the Catholic community here in New York hold them in the highest esteem, and look forward to continuing to cooperate with them in countless good works for our community and our nation.

The first sentence is okay. Here’s how I would’ve tweaked the rest:

It is my humble prayer that all our Jewish brothers and sisters understand that we in the Catholic community here in New York deeply regret the persistence of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism in our Church.

We ask the Jewish community’s forgiveness for the ways that we, as Catholic Christians, have failed to honor, respect, and express gratitude for all the gifts we have received from the Jewish people throughout history. We need to become more mindful of our Jewish roots.

We stand in solidarity with you against those who minimize or ignore the persecution you have suffered through our thoughts and words; in what we have done and what we have failed to do.

Williamson Snafu: Whole Iceberg or Just the Tip?

"We need to pray" seems to be the most frequent response to my recent post titled, "SSPX Drek." And my response to that one is, "Prayer? Sure, but there must also be action by people of conscience and faith."

You can bet I'll have more to say about Church-based apologias that include the words, "The Pope didn't know..." or "We don't control the communications." Watch this blog for true stories about responses I received from (a few) Roman Catholics when The Word Made Fresh:Communication Church and Faith was published this past fall.

Here, I want to focus your attention on the toxic, pernicious and woefully durable nature of anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism. My best guess? Williamson has said out loud what far too many others think privately relative to the Shoah and Jews. My theory has been supported by reading through readers' comments on several blogs. Remember, friends, it's not paranoia if they're really after you.

Here's where to find typical examples of the vitriol. Even if you do not have a strong stomach, please read through comments posted in response to this piece by David Gibson on Pontifications or this post by Fr. James Martin on America magazine's blog, In All Things. The anti-Semitism and anti-Judaism is horrifyingly florid. So is the contempt Catholic Christians express for one another.

Jesus weeps and pukes.