I have to admit, as I watched the
new Pope being introduced yesterday, I was not comfortable, as you may have
noticed on my twitter. A Jesuit .
. . who chooses a new name? I’m
not paranoid (I’m really not!), and I’m not Dan Brown, but I found that just a
little scary to be honest.
However, I got a good sleep and
then read the following from Bishop Greg Venables:
Many are asking me what Jorge Bergoglio is really like. He is much more
of a Christian, Christ centered and Spirit filled, than a mere churchman. He
believes the Bible as it is written. I have been with him on many occasions and
he always makes me sit next to him and invariably makes me take part and often
do what he as Cardinal should have done. He is consistently humble and wise,
outstandingly gifted yet a common man. He is no fool and speaks out very
quietly yet clearly when necessary. He called me to have breakfast with him one
morning and told me very clearly that the Ordinariate was quite unnecessary and
that the church needs us as Anglicans. I consider this to be an inspired
appointment not because he is a close and personal friend but because of who he
is In Christ. Pray for him.
I trust Greg Venables and his
judgement. That he thinks
that highly of the new Pope comforts me.
And Bishop Venables is a straight talker and no flatterer. He is also deeply evangelical in the
old and good sense of the word; so for him to say the new Pope “believes the
Bible as it is written” is saying something indeed.
Moreover, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio
and Bishop Venables worked side by side in combating government hostility to the
church and Christian values. And,
sadly, that is something the church must do in most of the world now. I am glad to see the new Pope has
demonstrated the moral compass and backbone to do that and with other branches
of Christ’s Church.
As for him being a Jesuit, I’ve
read (Forgive me. I’ve forgotten where.) that as a leader in that order, he
expected Jesuits under him to be parish pastors instead of running around
engaging in community organizing, if you will.
So, as I said, I feel better about
the new Pope now.
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