These stories used to surprise me, but the longer I pick up religious news sources the less novel this seems. I've read about Buddhist monks throwing things at one another and setting things on fire, Orthodox priests locking each other out of buildings, and of course Catholic monastics acting in belligerence as well. What it tells me most immediately is that the gift of faith is not synonymous with serene pacifism. Even in wondrous places like Mt. Athos fights erupt. There is a disillusion that eventually strikes all converts that the mystery (sacrament) of holy orders is not a reparative that imbues perfection. Parish priests make mistakes, bishops can be flip, and monasticscan break trusts.
Bethlehem, Dec. 27, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Rival groups of Orthodox clerics clashed inside the basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem on December 27, forcing Palestinian police to restore order.
Priests of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches came to blows during a dispute over the boundaries of their respective jurisdictions within the basilica, located on the site of Christ's birth. The confrontation arose as the two groups were cleaning the church in preparation for the Orthodox observance of the Nativity in January.
Administration of the Nativity basilica is shared by Catholic, Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic clerics. The relationships among the different groups have frequently been contentious, and there have been frequent disputes over jurisdiction in spite of a highly detailed agreement.
The Franciscan monks who represent the Catholic Church at the basilica were not involved in the December 27 melee. The Orthodox and Armenian clerics were cleaning the building after thousands of Catholics had joined in their own Christmas celebration there.
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Joseph, all I can think of when I look the pic of the Buddhist monks fighting is that scene in "Anger Management" when Adam Sandler beats up his childhood bully. lol
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, however, it's quite pitiful to see supposedly religious people acting like Jerry Springer Show guests.
Where on earth did you dig up that amazing image of the Franciscan and the Dominican fighting each other?
ReplyDeleteJohn: took a little looking. :) I knew I had to add it when I saw it.
ReplyDeleteThat may be showing up on Per Christum - that is just too fun.
ReplyDeleteGood post. BUT it is funny to say "Even on Athos" when at times as the news comes in you are almost inclined to say "Especially on Athos". Some nasty business with police ejecting some monasteries and all.
Happy New year
Point taken. For as much good as they are undoubtedly doing the world Athonites have a reputation for captiousness and choleric temperament.
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