Sadly, the US bishops' conference is a ghost of its former self
The intervention stopped what would have been attack on all Catholic politicians and voters, with the rush being the 2022 election. This was not truly about Biden at all. The reality is that Democratic voters and politicians ignore such nonsense anyway. Hopefully, Biden will take this opportunity to engage the Bishops, specifically the Office of Pro-Life Activities on the state of constitutional law on abortion (both Roe and Casey).
He should invite them to join the campaign to Build Back Better, particularly the child tax credit and childcare provisions (along with supporting a $10 to $12 minimum wage). It is time for them to challenge their allies to consider these matters must-pass right to life legislation.
I would suggest to the Republican bishops (let us not mince words) that they should not try the patience of the Holy Father. If anyone needs counsel on the abortion, it is Catholic business owners and stockholders who do not pay employees a sufficient wage to raise their families. They are materially cooperating with the act itself. That would raise eyebrows.
If Republican business owners and Democrat pro-choice voters are all told to avoid Eucharist, who will be left to receive it? We need the unity of the Sacrament much more than usual in this divided society. The bishops could truly contribute to that.
More unity should also include more involvement by the laity. They need to create their own Tierna when a bishop is to be appointed (or transfered). In the Mass of institution, the assembly makes a show of accepting the new bishop, but like the washing of the feet, it is an empty gesture.
A decent document on the Eucharist, as well as a necessary action of the Conference, would be to correct this lack. Building collegiality is weak tea. I am not holding my breath for either.
Also last week, I penned a blog post on the fascism of some of the conference. I dare someone to share it in Baltimore this week. You can find it at http://xianleft.blogspot.com/2021/11/fascist-catholic-bishops.html
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