The media equivalent of “bipartisan” in the Catholic Church translates as—
“Collegial.”
Or, “collegiality.”
The opposite of collegial? “Controlling.”
Ah, the liberals in the Catholic world and beyond are worried. Good.
Notice the multiple references and uses of the term “collegial” in news articles discussing the new Pope’s views. (N&O 4/21/05):
“New Pope Signals Openness To Ideas,” and
“New Pope To Select Next Raleigh Bishop.”
In both of the above, the word “collegial” is contrasted with “controlling” or “authoritarian,” and these are the only alternatives the media is recognizing.
Congratulations to Michael Novak’s “Right Choice for the Church” (N&O’s “Other Opionon” 4/21/05) for avoiding the ‘collegial vs. controlling’ cliches that are already the favored media terms to caricature this Pope.
Benedict XVI will have much more trouble with the press in his Papacy than with Catholic followers, I predict. Traditional Catholics don’t give a squat whether the press thinks the Pope ought to be more conciliatory, bending, or whatever.
On this, the press has been irrelevant for centuries, and ditto today.
Note: the articles above are under registration or not permitted to be reproduced by the N&O–sorry.
