BISHOP JOSEPH STRICKLAND DID not always have a difficult relationship with Pope Francis. When Francis became the head of the Catholic Church, Strickland recalls admiring how welcoming the pope was. But as the pontiff began taking increasingly liberal stances, the bishop of Tyler, Texas, felt he could no longer stay silent.
As Strickland began speaking out about Francis' teachings, from the church's positions towards divorcees and LGBTQ+ people to the question of whether priests should be allowed to marry, he quickly realized that "politically, I was in a rather precarious position."
"There's just a lot of politics in the world and it's a reality that affects the church as well," the bishop told Newsweek in an interview.
In November last year, Strickland was removed from his post by the Vatican. And although he's come to terms with the action against him, he said he worries that it could promote an "atmosphere of fear" within the church.
Strickland's removal was not only an unprecedented measure, but also a sign of how the culture wars have polarized the church of 1.3 billion Catholics, with the battle lines nowhere more evident than in the United States. Under the leadership of Francis, the church has welcomed more people, including same-sex couples and divorced Catholics. The pope has also been outspoken on issues such as climate change, inequality, global capitalism and interfaith dialogue, all of which have meant a departure from the traditional teachings of the church. And while these positions have made Francis a hero among progressives and their allies, it has formed a rift with traditionalists.
The types of actions that Francis has taken against his conservative American critics have not been seen in centuries, said church historian and Villanova University professor Massimo Faggioli.
This story is from the April 19, 2024 edition of Newsweek Europe.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 19, 2024 edition of Newsweek Europe.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Most Loved Workplaces 2024
THE WORLD'S MOST LOVED WORKPLACES ARE REMARKABLE FOR A variety of reasons.
Maya Hawke
MAYA HAWKE WEARS MANY HATS: ACTOR, WRITER,SINGER. BUT FOR Hawke, everything comes down to words.
Jacob Anderson
ANNE RICE'S NOVEL INTERVIEW WITH THE Vampire has a rabid fan base, intensely protective of the story and any adaptations of it.
VOTES OF NO CONFIDENCE
Why recent U.K. election results will ring alarm bells for Joe Biden
BIDEN'S BATTLEGROUND ELECTION
A small number of Democrats PROTESTING the president's support for Israel's war in Gaza could PREVENT him from winning a second term
'It's Time to Treat Addiction Like Cancer'
Both are serious illnesses but, unlike those struggling with substance use disorders, didn’t face shame and stigma when seeking help over my tumors
Could Influencers Survive a Tik Tok Ban?
With some content creators able to make good money from views and brand collaborations on the app, losing access to it could come ata high price
All Welcome, Except Some
A Chinese foreign agent is behind an Asian American parade in New York City with Mayor Eric Adams, but not everyone is invited
The Invisible Scars Of War
The ongoing conflict with Russia has left 10 million Ukrainians affected by mental health conditions. Now, a community-led program is giving citizens the tools they need to help them overcome their trauma
Navigating New Horizons: Tayca's Tech Innovation
Amidst evolving global markets and demographic shifts, Tayca Corporation harnesses cutting-edge Japanese technology to stay at the forefront, leading in innovation and adapting to changing economic conditions.