Friday, October 29, 2010

Where was the concern over incivility when a Boston Catholic priest ridiculed Cardinal Bertone in a Blog post?

frank  (frngk)

adj. frank·er, frank·est
1. Open and sincere in expression; straightforward: made several frank remarks about the quality of their work.
2. Clearly manifest; evident: frank enjoyment.


Rachel Zoll, a religion writer for the Associated Press, in an article entitled "Catholic bloggers aim to purge dissenters," examines how Catholic bloggers have been taking on the culture of dissent within the Catholic Church in the United States.  Ms. Zoll's article quotes Terrence Donilion, spokesman for the Boston Archdiocese, as responding to such bloggers thusly: "The lack of civility is very disturbing."  But there is a vast difference between being frank and being rude.  Sometimes the truth is unsettling.  But it is still the truth.

Interestingly, back in August I exposed a Blog authored by Father Emile "Mike" Boutin.  In one post I noted how Father Boutin argued at his Blog that priests should not be celibate and ridiculed Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, a Prince of the Church, for his views on homosexuality.  I don't remember Terence Donilon - or anyone else for that matter - castigating Father Boutin or accusing him of incivility.

What would that suggest to you dear reader?

Related reading: Confusing criticism with condemnation

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