The Prophet Michael

I heard a prophet speak last night at Gonzaga University. His name is Michael H. Crosby and he's a Capuchin Franciscan from Milwaukee who has written many thought-provoking books including Rethinking Celibacy, Reclaiming the Church. He spoke some truths about the problems plaguing the Catholic Church, especially around issues of power and the clergy, in such direct language that some in the crowd of 250 gasped. He's not afraid to speak his mind, even if it generates controversy.

On the Roman Curia, the power structure in the Vatican.
"Every bishop is living in fear of the Roman curia. It is sinful. It is ungodly. And it must be challenged."

On why clergy are afraid to speak up against structural injustices in the Catholic Church:
"They are afraid they won't be named a monsignor, they won't be named a bishop, they won't get a parish they want."

On what lay people can do when they see abuse of power.
"Challenge it non-violently. Tell him, 'Father, I think you are abusing your power.' We've got to use our counter voices. Submission is not obedience. It's sick."

On the essentials of the church:
"I believe in God. I believe God is at the center of the church. I believe God became flesh and his message was a threat to the power structure. That's the meat and potatoes. The rest is gravy. And we are now fighting about gravy and bad gravy at that."

On the priest shortage and closing of churches:
"No one has the guts to write the Vatican and say we aren't going to close down one more church until you allow us to ordain married priests."