The American Church

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" Proverbs 3:5

We wait in anticipation for the announcement from the Vatican regarding the successor to Justin Cardinal Rigali of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  Many commentators and bloggers have been quick to note that the front-runner to succeed His Emminence, is His Excellency, Charles J. Chaput.  I believe that the media will be quick to make many judgments regarding the tenure of Justin Rigali.  It is our duty and obligation, not to the Church, but to God to remember that the Holy Spirit leads.  That is not to say that we do not have a duty and obligation to the Church but that God works through the hearts of people.  Cardinal Rigali joined the 1.5 million member Archdiocese in 2003.  Now this is when the Church abuse scandal first broke out.  The Cardinal has been an outspoken critic of embryonic stem cell research and the protection of the sanctity and dignity of marriage.  The sexual abuse scandal in Phildadelphia is a great trial for the Church, but the Cardinal has paved the way during his tenure to renew the Church in Philadelphia.  Mainstream media has been posting that the Cardinal is resigning in light of scandal where the truth of the matter is that the Cardinal submitted his resignation in April 2010 in accordance with Canon Law.  His Excellency, Charles Chaput will bring to the people of Philadelphia a vocal leader and an enthusiasm to renew the Church.  The people of Denver have had the blessing of this charismatic leader for 14 years and have become accustomed to decisive leadership and a man dedicated to the pastoral nature of his office.  Charles understands what it means to shepherd the people.  He will be an example of holiness, charity, courage, and most of all love for the people of Philadelphia.  We praise the Lord in his loving kindness.  We pray for her Church.  We pray for her Church leaders.  In all things we praise the Lord.