Kyrkans struktur

ARCC spot LIGHT

(analysis of current Church issues provided by the publications committee of ARCC, Fr. Jim Dougherty, Anne Southwood & R. Schutzius, eds.)

Contrasting structures
 
Our Church institutional structure can be traced back centuries to the adoption of a  Roman governance system centered on a supreme human authority.  Until then, following the example of St. Paul, it adapted its
structure to different cultures as it spread the Good News.. 

Scholars identify the chief characteristics of a Roman system as monarchical, dogmatic, male dominated, with overtones of infallible divine authority coupled with legalistic administration. Citizens were indoctrinated with loyalty to the state. Discipline, loyalty and obedience were the esteemed virtues.

In contrast, the early Church revolved around local leaders, often women, in house churches. Entire households were included. The sensus fidelium was sought in a consultative system structured for shared responsibility and collaborative governance. The legalism of original Jewish Christians flexed in response to Paul’s stress on Christ’s universal message as gentiles were added to the Church.  Esteemed virtues were love, compassion, and humility.  Prophetic zeal for the Gospel message was the focus of their life.

The rigidity of this Roman System gave us the sinful division of East and West, the Reformation, the contra-reform against Vatican II and the current crisis.  Compare legalism, governance-by-divine right, and absolute obedience with compassion, subsidiarity, and respect for conscience.  Which offers most to the adult, thinking, Catholic Christian community?
 
It will be a long road back, but a clear awareness of the problem is a good start.  As human instruments of God, the change begins within ourselves.  The Roman system will not, can not, change itself. Invest your time, talent, and treasure in the system that you want for the Church.

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