Quote of the Day

I look forward to hearing an enthusiastic response from Archbishop John Nienstedt as he welcomes, through newly opened eyes, Pope Francis’ firm rebuke of the church’s narrow and judgmental focus on controversial social issues, to the detriment of respect for the profound law of love handed down from Jesus.

I know the archbishop holds his obligation of obedience to the pope in high regard. So I trust we will begin to see a redirection of energy from doctrinal authority to appreciation of personal conscience as he refocuses our attention to authentic matters of spirit and creates the mandated new atmosphere within the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Archbishop Nienstedt has shown himself to be a man of relentless vitality for causes he chooses to champion. It could be breathtaking to watch this shepherd evolve as a man of true vision, rather than religious myopia.

– Shawn Gilbert

Letter to the Editor of the Pioneer Press (St. Paul)
September 24, 2013

See also the previous Wild Reed post:
Quote of the Day – September 19, 2013
Progressive Perspectives on Archbishop Nienstedt's Anti-Gay Activism

Related Off-site Links:
Pope's Blunt Remarks Pose Challenge for Bishops – Rachel Zoll (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, September 21, 2013).
Here's How America Feels After the Pope's Landmark Statement on Gays and Abortion – Jaweed Kaleem (The Huffington Post, September 24, 2013).
Pope Francis is a Liberal Catholic – William Saletan (Slate via the Star Tribune, September 21, 2013).
The Pope's Radical Whisper – Frank Bruni (New York Times via the Progressive Catholic Voice, September 22, 2013).
Local Parishioners — Those Who See Big Change, Some Who Don't — Respond to Pope – Beth Hawkins (MinnPost, September 23, 2013).