< Database head page
Schillebeeckx
Edward & Metz
Johann-Baptist (eds): Concilium: The Right of the Community
to a Priest (Edinburgh
Clark
1980)
Following a statistical survey which concludes that the number of RC priests
worldwide is insufficient and falling
various authors consider the prospect of
lay presidency
generally from the standpoint of countering a shortage of
priests.
Schillebeeckx' contribution ('The Christian Community and its Office
Bearers') is a summary of his "Ministry: A case for change".
Fritz Lobinger ('The Right of the Community to Develop in its Faith'
pp
51-56)
speaking of Africa
makes reference to the 'fear of ordination' -
"There is the fear that ordained men could not be removed if found
unsuitable. There is also the that ordination would constitute an
irresistible temptation to status-seeking
or the fear that this would mean a
clericalisation of lay people
or that the ordination of one person would
decrease the ... wide involvement of many members of the community." [Quote pp
51-52]
Joan Lopez ('Accounts of Experiences in Spain') -
"what is called the crisis of identity of the priesthood ...
is also a crisis of identity for the Christian community." [Quote p 28]