Against the background of increased anticipation of a black Archbishop of Canterbury, a backlash appears to be in full swing to deny Sentamu this appointment. Put simply, will the British Crown follow due process and Episcopal order and allow a Blackman head the Church?
Seven years ago, a black Catholic priest, Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze, was shortlisted as a possible successor of the late Pope John Paul II. But after the emission of an inexplicable black and white smoke, Arinze was dropped and the present Pope, Pope Benedict VI, was (s)elected as the pope.
According to theweek.co.uk, insiders regard the Ugandan-born Archbishop as too old, too undiplomatic and too ill. His.. [traditional] posture though applauded by the larger church, may also count against him.
Why not?
Selection should be based upon the character of his heart and his proven leadership and shepardship qualities and not upon the color of his skin.
Arinze was never seriously in the running for the Papacy in 2005 despite what the media may think.
[blockquote] Seven years ago, a black Catholic priest, Nigerian-born Cardinal Francis Arinze, was shortlisted as a possible successor of the late Pope John Paul II. But after the emission of an inexplicable black and white smoke, Arinze was dropped and the present Pope, Pope Benedict VI, was (s)elected as the pope.[/blockquote]
What exactly is the author implying? He sounds like some tin foil hat conspiracy theorist. Ratzinger was the leading candidate to succeed the late Pope for decades. His election was the biggest non-surprise in recent history, except to some Catholic liberals who just couldn’t bring themselves to believe that he would be elected.
I really despise this sort of thing — framing him as “the black man” rather than a person, a bishop, a candidate with gifts. It attempts to reframe the discussion in terms of prejudices and such, rather than qualifications and appropriateness. Once you pose this question, you put a lens on the end result. Unfortunate.
Selection should be based upon the character of his heart and his proven leadership and shepardship qualities and not upon the color of his skin.
What something should be and what it is are often 2 different things.
Africa is pretty much “where it’s at” in terms of growth of the Christian faith, right now. Seems entirely logical and appropriate that the next group of leaders of Chistianity, whether Catholic or otherwise, should come from a place where the faith is vibrant and growing.