Submitted by Rev. Ray Grosswirth, Mar 28, 2007 12:56

I, for one, hope that our pontiff, Benedict XVI, will accept the resignation of Cardinal Egan. While Cardinal O'Connor wasn't perfect, he nevertheless had a much stronger respectability record than Cardinal Egan.

The fact that many priests in the New York Archdiocese are disatisfied with their cardinal is strong indication that a new leader with strong pastoral skills is needed.

When one adds the number of parishes slated to close or merge in New York State, we can no longer count on a status quo church to satisfy the needs of the faithful. Furthermore, in light of sexual abuse scandals and the shrinking pool of seminarians, it is time for the Roman Catholic hierarchy to rethink its outdated policy of mandatory celibacy for priests.

By adding married priests to the existing clergy, we can perhaps avert some of the parish closings anticipated for the New York Archdiocese, and the dioceses Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse and Rochester. The ordination of women is also a viable and acceptable option the hierarchy should be considering. You may be asking what this has to do with Cardinal Egan. The fact remains that Benedict XVI has indicated that he will listen to his cardinals when they have important matters to bring before him. We therefore need a cardinal for the New York Archdiocese who is not afraid to articulate the needs of the clergy and laity to our pontiff, even when these needs are reflective of controversial issues such as clerical celibacy and the ordination of women.

In conclusion, I pray that our pontiff will accept Cardinal Egan's resignation and give us a cardinal with the courage to be a pastoral leader.

Ray Grosswirth (Married priest from Rochester, NY)

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