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About John W. Greenleaf

J.W. Greenleaf is a retired professor of historical theology.

When Bishops Don’t Speak Out

Posted on March 30, 2012

As we begin Holy Week 2012, a reflection from Bill Press, writing (29 March) in the Chicago Tribune: “No doubt about it. On abortion, Catholic bishops are against it. On homosexuality, Catholic bishops are against it. On same-sex marriage, Catholic … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 6 Comments

TWO GREAT BISHOPS : PRACTICAL PROPHETS

Posted on March 25, 2012

On March 24, 1980, Bishop Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated while celebrating Eucharist in a small hospital chapel. He was my hero. On March 27, 2004, Bishop Ken Untener, Bishop of Saginaw, Michigan, died of leukemia. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 1 Comment

The Odor of Papal Sanctity

Posted on March 17, 2012

For St. Patrick’s Day 2012 it is not green beer that makes Vatican news but Pope Benedict’s new perfume — rather, I should say — his eau de cologne! Pope Benedict XVI, the UK’s GUARDIAN reports, has commissioned a special … Continue reading →

Posted in papal imperialism | Leave a comment

A Clash of Catholic “Civilizations”

Posted on March 9, 2012

Understanding why the Church seems to be drifting far out at sea…… I was awakened by a vivid dream last night….A wrinkled old dinosaur, clutching a mighty crosier and crowned with a golden miter, sat perched on an iceberg drifting … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 9 Comments

What Ecumenical Neighbors and Friends are Asking

Posted on February 29, 2012

What Ecumenical Neighbors and Friends are Asking: Are Roman Catholic Bishops Killing Their Church? John Shelby “Jack” Spong (born June 16, 1931) is a retired American Episcopalian bishop. He was formerly the Bishop of Newark, New Jersey. He is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 3 Comments

A Special Note to Readers

Posted on February 25, 2012

Yes I realize there have been typos in recent posts. There is not (yet) a problem with my brain. I am having problems with a new word processing program. Apologies to all readers for the annoyance….I will get it worked … Continue reading →

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Once Upon a Time : There was a Vatican

Posted on February 25, 2012

Today’s First and Second Readings: “For those who’ve seen the place in better days, the Vatican looks deeply troubled. In the absence of strong leadership, internal tensions seem to be bursting into view. Even at the height of his powers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 1 Comment

The Catholic Church and Public Morality (Some brief Reflections)

Posted on February 22, 2012

The Catholic Church and Public Morality (Some brief Reflections) “The usages of society are to be the usages of freedom in their full range. These require that the freedom of the human person be respected as far as possible and … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 2 Comments

SPECIAL REPORT : USCCB CUSTOMER SERVICE SLIPPING

Posted on February 17, 2012

The American Catholic exodus is speeding up…Currently four people leave the American Catholic Church for every one who joins it. No other other religious group in the United States has a similar ratio. Baptists, for example, also have more people … Continue reading →

Posted in Roman Catholic Church | 6 Comments

USCCB Memory Problems : How Could They Forget Cardinal Cushing

Posted on February 13, 2012

When the Massachusetts legislature voted in 1966 to end the last all-out ban on contraceptives in the United States, it was with the approval and assistance of the Boston Archdiocese On February 15, 1963, Boston’s Cardinal Richard James Cushing (1895–1970) … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic bishops | Tagged | 2 Comments