We the full congrigration of India are tried of our Bishop its like a devil who is just spoiling the name of religion .He is just having fun with girls drinks and all those things which he not sposed to do . So how we can complane against him and remove him . First we thought God will punish him but its to long for god to do anything so its better we the do something for him. I dont want to pension the name of the Bishop.

-- juli (julirobinson@yahoo.com), September 24, 2002

Answers

Jmj

Hello, Juli.

With your name, I have to wonder if you are writing from "India" (as you said) or from "Indiana."

The Catholic faithful do not have the power or the right to depose their bishop forcibly. If your bishop is behaving in an evil way, you need to follow the instructions that Jesus gave to his followers in Matthew 18:
"15: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16: But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17: If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church; and if he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."

So, in practical, modern terms, here is what would have to be done:
(1) One confident, articulate spokesman for your group should make an appointment to speak to the bishop and should explain to him how he is offending God and his flock.
(2) If the bishop refuses (or fails) to reform, then the spokesman must try again, with one or two more of you, to help the bishop reform his conduct.
(3) If this does not work, then you should "tell it to the Church." How? A clear, brief, convincing letter (which can be signed by all of you) should be written and sent to the papal nuncio in your country, explaining what has happened. You should mention the attempts made in steps (1) and (2) and provide documentation of those attempts if you can.
(4) At this point, it is up to the Vatican (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to take necessary action.
(5) Throughout the whole process, your strongest weapons for change are your own prayer and mortification, your trust, and your resignation to God's will.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), September 24, 2002.

Dear Juli:
John is correct. You are a good man for wishing your bishop were behaving decently. He seems to be a sinner.

You have to understand, all men are sinners. You and I. Even so, the bishop is called by God to lead his people, and if he lives immorally, he is failing God and he is failing the people.

But, Juli-- Please realise; the people can't remove a bishop. He is your Fathwer a long as the Church allows him. No children are able to send their father away.

When you attempt to speak to him, remember: You will not tell him to go away. You will not threaten him, or tell him you are sick of him, or tired of him.

All you can do is remind him; he sins, he must repent like any other man. He is responsible to God. Then assure him; if he changes his life, the people will support him. But he must confess and repent his sins.

If he treats you badly, don't fight with him. He has power over his people. God gives him the power. All he is obliged to do is change his behavior. He is not obliged to go away.

If he continues, you must keep reminding him. And, anove all; you must pray for him.

If your own father had a serious illness; wouldn't you pray for his recovery? You would ask God, SAVE my father! The same is your duty to the spiritual father your bishop. Pray that God will save him from sin! Tell the people; every day we must pray for him, and forget about trying to remove him. Pray for his salvation, and God will BLESS YOU!!! Your charity is being tested, Juli. Show God why you love Him; as a child of the Church. By giving respect to a bishop who doesn't deserve your respect. Our Lord will reward you for it. Our Lord may well be waiting for you to show faith in Him.

Tell the bishop you will all pray that he recovers from his evil behavior. Show him the way a good Christian behaves; not with hatred, but with patience and mercy!

We also will pray for you Juli, and for this bishop. May God answer the prayers of His little ones. Through the mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), September 25, 2002.