Letter to the editor: Catholic church must listen to the faithful

I’ve recently written disparaging remarks in letters and on social media regarding the closing of St. Raphael School in Morningside and how covertly it was done. I have been told to accept what I cannot change and/or to leave the “dying” Catholic faith and explore others.

I’m not ready to give up my Catholic faith, but I also can’t accept the direction in which the current leadership is guiding us (and guiding many from the pews). These are different times, and congregants no longer accept every decree sent from the bishop and the Diocese of Pittsburgh unquestioningly as “God’s will.”

The church has many broad-minded voices among the priests and congregants, and those voices should no longer be silenced based on assumed obedience. The bishop and diocese need to understand that they need the people every bit as much as the people need them. Many want to follow their faith but don’t want to follow it blindly. We want to be treated fairly and truthfully and to be included in discussions that affect us. The church should not act as a dictatorship.

I don’t accept that the current state of the church cannot be changed; nor should our faith be so easily abandoned. I believe with new leadership and the help of many of the priests and faithful, the Catholic faith and Catholic education can be rejuvenated as essential institutions and worthwhile choices.

As the Bible shows — do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Those making decisions within the Diocese of Pittsburgh need to re-read that passage.

Joe Adams

Shaler