Analysis Rapid City's Chaput goes to Denver see
By PAMELA SCHAEFFER
NCR Staff
The appointment of Bishop Charles J. Chaput of Rapid City, S.D.,
to lead the Denver archdiocese is regarded as a sure sign that Denver Catholics
eager for more progressive leadership are unlikely to get it -- at least not
anytime soon.
Chaput, assuming leadership next month of a deeply divided
archdiocese, is well-schooled in the style of his predecessor, Archbishop J.
Francis Stafford, and is widely regarded to have been handpicked by Stafford to
succeed him.
The theologically conservative, socially liberal Stafford was
rewarded last summer for his loyalty to the pope with an appointment to a
Vatican post. He was installed in November as president of the Pontifical
Council on the Laity in Rome.
Catholics familiar with the national episcopal scene say Stafford
and Chaput (pronounced shap-you) have collaborated at the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops, often jointly serving as watchdogs over the
work of various conference committees.
"They think alike and they have worked together," said an expert
in episcopal matters who requested anonymity.
Chaput's supporters regard him as a staunch champion of orthodoxy;
his critics as a relentless nitpicker who often bogs down conference
discussions in minutiae. Chaput was among a handful of bishops responsible for
a litany of interventions in recent years as bishops struggled with proposed
translations of prayers for a revised Sacramentary, the book used by priests
celebrating Mass.
Nevertheless, he has an ingratiating manner and charmed listeners
at a news conference in Denver on Feb. 18, telling them that he does his own
laundry, washes his own windows, likes to cook, feed birds, attend plays and
symphonies and read Tony Hillerman mysteries. He also said he is happy to be
addressed as "Bishop Charles."
According to The Denver Post, Chaput seemed surprised when
some came forward to kiss his ring and he seemed overwhelmed by his
enthusiastic reception. He was cheered as he assured his welcomers that he
would support the church's ban on women priests and follow Stafford in
prohibiting the We Are Church Coalition, a national organization seeking church
reforms, from circulating petitions on church property.
Chaput said he would follow Stafford's advice on setting
priorities for the diocese and would continue Stafford's projects, including a
$64 million capital fund drive for building schools.
During Stafford's 10-year reign in Denver, he created a backlash
among liberals, including priests, laypeople, academics and nuns, who founded
an alternative organization and newspaper.
Chaput said Catholics who dissent from church teaching would find
him to be "approachable," if unrelenting.
"I can't give away what can't be given away," he said. "Some of
the changes they want concern faith and morals. Churches shouldn't be used by
those who agitate against it."
Chaput said he had tried to live his life simply and had "no
elaborate words or big plans" to share. "I have no plans at all," he said,
"other than to tell you about the love Jesus Christ has for each of you and to
ask for your love and support in return."
He added, "A bishop should love his people with every ounce of his
energy and life, just as Christ loved the church." Holding up his right hand to
display the episcopal ring, he said, "This gold ring symbolizes my marriage to
the church. I will do all I can to show love, forgiveness and joy."
He said he had no aspirations to follow Stafford to Rome. To
desire such a promotion "would be like a husband looking at another woman," he
said. "I am married to the local church. One life is enough."
Chaput will be installed in Denver on April 7. The appointment
makes him, at 52, the nation's youngest archbishop and the first Native
American to head an archdiocese. He is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi
tribe.
As a Capuchin priest and former president of the North American
Capuchin Conference, Chaput also joins a growing number of U.S. bishops who are
members of religious orders.
He was born in Concordia, Kan., and was the second Native American
to be named a U.S. bishop, after Bishop Donald E. Pellotte of Gallup, N.M.
Chaput has been a member of U.S. bishops' committees on liturgy,
priestly life and ministry, the diaconate and the ad hoc committee on World
Youth Day, held in Denver in 1993.
In praise of Chaput's appointment, Stafford said, "I trust his
judgment, value his counsel and know him as a son of St. Francis of Assisi.
Like St. Francis, he has courage and clarity of purpose. He has a deep
affection for people and loves our mountains and plains."
National Catholic Reporter, February 28,
1997
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