Wisdom Wednesday | May 26th

AUSCP NewsMay 26Roundup

This week, on the occasion of his murder, we seek wisdom in a Good Friday reflection on the “Seven Last Words” of George Floyd, published by the AME Church. The Communion conflict continues. Pope Francis insists on synodality. A member of the AUSCP pushes a peace tax. And away from the heavy, we found a light and delightful TikTok video on decision making by some religious sisters.

George Floyd – One Year Later

During the year since the death of George Floyd, news outlets and publications have offered analysis and opinion — but none perhaps as provocative as the Good Friday reflection of John Thomas III on “The Seven Last Words of George Floyd.” We offer this link to the commentary in The Christian Recorder, the official publication of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Among the many examinations of the death of George Floyd, standout efforts is a conversation with Fordham University’s Father Bryan Massingale about the progress of racial justice in the United States. Another standout report on the legacy of George Floyd is from the New York Times.

Synodality

In the ninth year of his pontificate, Pope Francis has launched an ambitious three-year worldwide “synodal process”. It will culminate in October 2023 in Rome with the XVI ordinary general assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

Joshua McElwee reports that the pope is widening the scope of a synod, and Massimo Faggioli believes that what Francis has begun will live beyond his own passing.

Communion Conflict

Are some bishops ‘politicizing’ the Eucharist? We offer a variety of news and opinions.

Church, Big Money, and Taxes

What do former President George W. Bush, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and former late night comedian Jay Leno have in common? NCR reports they will headline an exclusive conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, known as FOCUS, in October.

If you are unfamiliar with FOCUS, Heidi Schlumpf at NCR fills in the facts.

Speaking of finances, here’s a startling fact: religion contributes about $1.2 trillion of socioeconomic value annually to the U.S. economy. That is equivalent to being the world’s 15th-largest national economy, outpacing nearly 180 other countries and territories. It’s more than the global annual revenues of the world’s top 10 tech companies, including Apple, Amazon and Google. The Deseret News reports on the unseen economic and social impacts of American faith.

AUSCP member Father John Heagle, a long-time peace advocate, is calling attention to an effort that would allow taxpayers to direct their money away from war and toward peace. Heagle said he has signed a petition from the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund.

By the way — Another of Heagle’s efforts was also included in last week’s Wisdom Wednesday, but an incorrect web address left visitors unable to access the “Stop Banking the Bomb Pittsburgh.” This is the correct address: https://www.abetterpncbnk.org

Priests: One removed, one returned

Controversial Father James Altman, “divisive and ineffective,” says he will appeal his removal from his parish in the Diocese of LaCrosse. according to a Patheos report.  In Chicago, Father Michael Pfleger is being returned to his parish, according to Religion News Service.

AUSCP Quick Picks

READ – Was Mother Teresa a Cult Leader? Michelle Goldberg, in the New York Times, dares to ask that question.

LAUGH – Here is a “This or That” challenge for you from the Daughters of St. Paul, who have gone viral on Tik Tok. Read about it here and see the video.

WATCH – A short video from Father Gregory Barras on why he is involved in the Association.

WATCH – This week’s recap presentation summarizing the 2018 AUSCP Assembly in Albuquerque.

And as a reminder, you can watch keynote presentations from all of our past assemblies on our Past Assembly Videos page.

We hope you have enjoyed this roundup of recent news about faith, politics, and culture. We will return next week with another edition of Wisdom Wednesday. 

Until next week, please follow us on social media with the buttons below to make sure you don’t miss the latest news from the AUSCP!

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