CUT FROM THE SAME MOLD

By Rodney

Rodney responds to Archbishop Jimenez's public shaming of a lay volunteer.

Rodney November 2, 2026 at 12:11 PM

When bishops feel morally helpless or insecure in exercising their pastoral ministry in accordance with justice, truth, and charity, perhaps owing to a lack of moral integrity and authenticity in their own conduct, and when they are unable to resist pressure from those in positions of power, they risk resorting to public shaming rather than genuine pastoral engagement.

From the above post (BECAUSE HE'S AFRAID OF THEM), it appears that a private letter from the parish priest would have been entirely sufficient to communicate the same concern to the person concerned. By choosing instead to make the matter public through a letter issued by the Bishop, the Diocese creates the impression that it is either unable or unwilling to address the issue through ordinary pastoral dialogue and appropriate canonical, legal, or administrative channels.

The very essence of pastoral leadership is to correct with compassion, guide with wisdom, and reconcile with charity. Episcopal authority is not a privilege to intimidate, expose, or publicly humiliate others; it is a sacred responsibility entrusted to bishops to serve God's people with humility, justice, and truth. As Christ Himself taught, authority in the Church must be exercised through service, not domination.

If the purpose of pastoral intervention is to restore rather than alienate, then the manner in which it is exercised is just as important as the matter being addressed. Public humiliation can never be a substitute for pastoral correction, nor can the exercise of ecclesiastical authority be detached from the moral obligations that give that authority its legitimacy.

Ultimately, the credibility of episcopal leadership rests not merely on the authority to correct others, but on the moral courage, personal integrity, authenticity, and Christian charity with which that authority is exercised. A bishop is called to be a shepherd of the flock, not an instrument of intimidation or public condemnation.

Tim's Note:

Unfortunately, this action reminds me so much of Apuron's legendary bullying. Apuron dared not touch the elite and powerful, but had no problem attacking the little people. Jimenez seems to be cut from the same mold.