Clericalism, Anti-Clericalism, and Non-Clericalism

For purposes of this essay, "clericalism" is used in an objective, non-pejorative, almost anthropological sense of the system of cultural practices and beliefs that maintain a distinct priestly caste. As such, Catholicism is inherently clerical as our faith centers on God's presence in a sacramental system, particularly Eucharist and Penance, which is maintained by a priestly caste, our clergy. Anti-clericalism becomes, therefore, inevitable and almost constitutive of our culture for two reasons. Given our sinful nature, many if not all of our clergy will succumb to temptations to arrogance and distance that come with the privileges of the caste. Even if all priests were, however, perfect saints, envy and resentment will arise among the laity in regard to their status...again because of our sinful nature. "Non-clericalism" refers to a style that consciously downplays the clerical style to accentuate the equality of priest and lay as sinners-in-recovery and disciples of our Lord. A wholesome clericalism, then, would emphasize the imitation of the servant Christ and the unworthiness of the individual to be such an "alter-Christ" and dispense the sacred mysteries. Clericalism in the negative sense would be a climate of arrogance, power, privilege and separation that can accompany the priesthood. Pope Benedict is an example of clericalism in the best sense: he had a profound sense of the solemnity of the liturgy and his manner and theology flowed from a humility before Christ's Eucharistic presence. For example, he rode a bike to school, even as a renowned theologian. When asked if he did so as bishop, he smiled and said "No. I would never be so unconventional." His instincts were modest, reticent and conservative:  he would continue what had been done rather than call attention to himself or innovate. John Paul, by contrast, was priestly in the highest sense but non-clerical as he presented himself as an equal, a brother, a friend. His liturgical style is informal and loose but very holy. Pope Benedict (with a different style) said he felt closest to his predecessor when he said the mass. Pope Francis, surprisingly, is anti-clerical. He dislikes the trappings of formality that surround the hierarchy: the Latin mass, the title "monsignor," and manifestations of piety, It is, to say the least, unusual that our number 1 cleric be anti-clerical. Nevertheless, the Church is a big tent and has room even for anti-clerical clerics! I consider myself to be moderately clerical. Almost 70 years old, I address 28 year old priests as "Father." At an ordination I happily kneel for a blessing and kiss the hands that will confect the Sacrament. I recall that as a collegiate seminarian I was warned (by my mentor, a wise ex-marine, ex-fighter autodictat librarian) that Catholics systematically, warmly spoil their priests and seminarians and it is hard to resist the sense of privilege. The priest who wants to be called by his first name is non-clerical, but not necessarily anti-clerical. Much of the Church is a wholesome non-clericalism. It prevails in many of the religious orders, especially brothers who are non-clerics and noticeably among Franciscans, Benedictines, Salesians, Jesuits and Maryknollers. These cherish the priesthood but in a low-key manner. Their vows ordinarily preceed their ordination, if they are ordained, and the identity as evangelical brother takes precedence over holy orders. This is healthy but does not contradict a balanced and modest clericalism in the manner of Joseph Ratzinger. For a Catholic, all things lead to The High Priest, our Lord Jesus, who himself had some harsh things to say about the priests of his time. The Catholic Church is a big table with room for the modest clericalism of Benedict, the holy and priestly non-clericalism of John Paul, and the anti-clericalism of Francis.