With the selection of “orthodox”, “ultra conservative”, etc., Timothy Dolan as archbishop of New York, it has become abundantly clear we have reached a crisis of language in ecclesial affairs. Certainly I won’t be the one to question his bonafides in either regard, but if this is how we are going to describe ecclesial appointments for the next decade or so, then they all are going to be “orthodox” and “ultra conservative.” Unfortunately, none of this is really fair to Archbishop Dolan.
The more secular wing of Catholicism seems to be waiting for the choice that affirms a woman’s control of her reproduction is key to her achieving humanity and salvation is found through self-actualization, i.e. if having sex with people of the same gender brings you joy then God is happy too. I suppose through such a lens, Archbishop Dolan looks orthodox. In regards to feminity, this view of feminism has never really taken hold in the Catholic Church as a whole although it has seen some fits in the US and Canada. In regards to homosexuality, whatever path is taken toward liberalization – a presumption at this point – such liberalization won’t take place based on the pop-psychology that views all choices solely based on the interests of the individual rather than the family (larger than nuclear) and society. (Ditto divorce.) The 60s are over. In so much as the sexual revolution has been affirmed, it has been done so outside the Church.
As for what to expect from a Dolan regime, I would expect a relatively parochial one. Expect competent administration. Expect those willing to work for the advancement of the diocese to advance and those more consumed with their own interests to be marginalized. Daniel Maguire is a fine example of the latter. As for what the online community seems consumed, I wouldn’t anticipate Dolan taking a public leadership role in addressing politicians that support abortion, specifically denying them communion. He hasn’t to date. With politicians and with clergy, he is likely to take the attitude of working with what he has rather than trying to remake either in his own image. So, perhaps conservative is the proper term after all.
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