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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsArchbishop apologizes for $2.2 million home
I guess he didn't get the memo about actually practicing poverty vows.
http://m.ajc.com/news/news/religion/archbishop-apologizes-for-22-million-home/nfPjn/
Snip
Bowing to critics, the Archbishop of Atlanta on Monday apologized for a lapse in judgment that made him proceed with a new, $2.2 million home for himself and said he may sell his Buckhead mansion if clerical bodies within the church recommend he do so.
Big snip past the first half of the article:
The decision touched off debate and anger inside and outside the parish. Parishioners inundated Gregory with emails, wondering if Pope Francis would approve. The pope has created international news with his emphasis on living frugally.
I failed to consider the impact on the families throughout the Archdiocese who, though struggling to pay their mortgages, utilities, tuition and other bills, faithfully respond year after year to my pleas to assist with funding our ministries and services, Gregory wrote.
To all of you, I apologize sincerely and from my heart.
Gregory said he will put the issue before the Archdiocesan Council of Priests in April and to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, a consulting body representing parishes, in May. Gregory said he will also call a special meeting of the Finance Council of the archdiocese.
Snip
Earth_First
(14,910 posts)I'm also willing to bet that his lifestyle extends well beyond a $2.2M home.
I'm sure it also includes the luxuries that are necessary to fill a $2.2M home. Including the garage.
However, next week the collection plates will still runneth over...
Tx4obama
(36,974 posts)Atlanta Archbishop Apologizes For $2.2 Million Home
Here: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/atlanta-archbishop-apology
exboyfil
(17,865 posts)In New Jersey, Newark Archbishop John Myers hasnt opted for penitence, and instead is defending the expenditure of some $500,000 to add a three-story, 3,000-square-foot addition to his already spacious retirement home. The new wing will include an indoor exercise pool, a hot tub, three fireplaces, a library and an elevator.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/from-beacon-hill-to-bishop-bling-clergy-housing-faces-new-scrutiny/2014/04/01/8210a6f2-b9df-11e3-80de-2ff8801f27af_story.html
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)for the bulk of his tenure. He's always lived like this.
TexasProgresive
(12,161 posts)but diocesan priests have never taken a vow of poverty- Vows of poverty are often made by men and women in religious orders- i.e. Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, etc.. Jesuits like Pope Francis take 3 vows of poverty, chastity and obedience- poverty is generally understood as lack of personal ownership- the order owns all property.
Secular or diocesan priests make no vows but rather promise obedience to the bishop and his successors and celibacy which is to not marry. I know that people commonly understand celibacy as refraining from sex but that is not what the word means.
celibacy (n.) Look up celibacy at Dictionary.com
1660s, formed in English, with -cy + Latin caelibatus "state of being unmarried," from caelebs "unmarried," probably from PIE root *kaiwelo- "alone" + lib(h)s- "living."
http://etymonline.com/index.php?term=celibacy
Ilsa
(61,709 posts)Called out for my ignorance.
This story reminded me of a news article 20 years ago, in which a Catholic-owned children's camp in the Texas Hill Country was slated to be shut down due to funding problems. It wasn't difficult then, either, to find a bishop living within a hundred miles in the lap of luxury.
I can't help but wonder if there are Catholic churches in Georgia having trouble paying their utilities while this dude proposes a $2+ million home for himself in a wealthy neighborhood. Perhaps they should consider selling the land and building to suit their needs in a more mainstream neighborhood, or on the perimeter of commercial property.