Back
‘The ugliest perversion of the Church’ (Pope Francis)
When the chief bishop of the Catholic Church condemns clericalism in words like these, it’s time for Catholics – especially the people in the pews – to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and explore options to confront it.
In Call No One Father, Berise Heasly brings unique insights to her consideration of clericalism, based on many years as a professional educator and an informed Catholic layperson. She well understands that confronting clericalism head on will be insufficient to address its root causes and historical development. Rather, with skill and experience, she moves beyond exclusive binary (either/or) ways of thinking to suggest other, gentler approaches, encouraging more transparency and accountability, with soundly based recommendations for seminary formation and the ongoing education and formation of priests and ministers.
Her book is thoroughly based on the teaching, theology and insights of the Second Vatican Council with its emphases on renewal, the centrality of Scripture and the status of lay people as full members of the People of God. She recognises that much of clericalism is about power rather than service; about structures rather than communities; about maintenance rather than looking for new ways, new paradigms to keep alive the Jesus story and the importance for our time.
In the current situation, where many in the churches are demoralised and disheartened, Call No One Father provides a realistic appraisal, informed reflection, strategies for change and reformation, and above all, hope for the community called the Church.
‘A prophetic book, the harbinger of a long-awaited paradigm shift’ – John D’Arcy May; Trinity College Dublin, Australian Catholic University.
‘Berise Heasly demonstrates the usefulness of educational theory, principles of architecture and physics, as well as common sense both born of outrage to move the whole in a healthy, safer direction’ – Mary E Hunt PhD Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (USA)
‘Berise Heasly has done a huge service to all Catholics with this book – shining a light and her clear understanding on this perverse culture which continues to operate and has to be eradicated’ – Dr Peter Wilkinson, President, Catholics for Renewal.
Berise Heasly describes herself as a ‘cradle Catholic and mother’. She taught in Catholic and independent schools for almost 40 years and has a passion for liturgy, especially liturgical music. Her PhD is in education concerning the teaching of virtues and ethics; and she has published extensively in professional journals. Berise is currently an active parishioner at Carthage’s Parish in Melbourne.
