Is It Wrong to Question Church Leaders Like Some Saints Did?

Brief Overview

• The Catholic faith teaches that Church leaders hold authority from Christ, but this authority does not make them free from human error or mistakes in judgment.
• Many saints in Church history questioned Church leaders with charity and courage when they saw something wrong, and these saints were eventually honored for their faithfulness to the faith.
• A person can respectfully raise concerns about Church leaders when they act against the teachings of Christ and the Church, as long as the questioning comes from a place of genuine faith and not pride.
• The difference between sinful criticism and holy questioning lies in the person’s motive, their respect for the office of the leader, and whether they seek the good of the Church over their own opinions.
• Questioning Church leaders is not wrong when done with proper humility, when it seeks truth rather than control, and when the person follows the right channels and approach.
• Catholics have a responsibility to speak up when they see serious problems, but they must do so in ways that show love for the Church and respect for those in authority.

What Saints and Bishops Have Said and Done

The history of the Catholic Church shows many examples of holy people who spoke up against their leaders when they thought something was wrong. Saint Catherine of Siena, a mystic and doctor of the Church, wrote strong letters to Pope Gregory XI when she saw problems in how the Church was being run. She did not attack the Pope as a person, but she made it clear that she believed he was making poor choices for the good of the Church. Saint Catherine’s intentions were pure because she wanted the Pope and the Church to move toward holiness and better service to God’s people. Her courage was tested many times, but she stayed true to her mission of speaking truth with respect. The Church later recognized her as a saint and even gave her the title of doctor of the Church, which shows that her way of questioning was not sinful or wrong. Saint Jerome, another doctor of the Church, was known for his sharp criticisms of bishops and other Church leaders when he felt they strayed from the true faith. He did not hold back his words, and he challenged those in power to live up to their calling. Saint Jerome’s writings show that he loved the Church deeply and that his harsh words came from a real concern for the faith. Saint Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, even had a confrontation with Saint Peter about how to treat the non-Jewish converts, as we read in Galatians 2:11-14. Paul corrected Peter publicly on a serious matter of doctrine, and this shows that even the closest friends of the apostles could speak up when something important was at stake. The fact that this event is recorded in Scripture means that the Church has always accepted that such corrections can be right and good. These examples teach us that questioning Church leaders is not always wrong and that the Church itself has honored people who did so with good motives and pure hearts.

The Authority of Church Leaders and Its Limits

The Catholic Church teaches that bishops and other Church leaders receive their authority from Jesus Christ, who gave Peter and the apostles the power to bind and loose in Matthew 16:19. This authority is real and comes directly from Christ, and the Church teaches that we owe respect and obedience to those who hold this power (CCC 886). When a priest says Mass or a bishop confirms a person in the faith, their authority comes from Christ, not from their own wisdom or goodness. The sacraments they give are valid even if they are sinful men, because the power comes from Christ and not from them. This truth is important to understand because it means that we can respect the office of a Church leader even when we disagree with how they use their power. However, the authority that Church leaders have is not without limits, and it is not a power to command anything they want. The Pope and bishops have authority only in matters related to faith and morals, and only when they act in ways that follow the teachings of the Church (CCC 890). If a bishop or priest tells people to do something that goes against the teaching of Christ and the Church, then that command has no real authority and does not bind people’s consciences. The Second Vatican Council taught that the faithful have both the right and sometimes the duty to make their views known to Church leaders (CCC 907). This teaching shows that the Church itself recognizes that Church leaders can make mistakes and that the people of God have a role in helping the Church stay true to its mission. The authority of Church leaders is real and comes from Christ, but it is always an authority that must serve the faith and the people of God.

How We Know the Difference Between Pride and Holy Questioning

A person who questions a Church leader might be acting from pride, or they might be acting from genuine faith and concern for the Church. The difference between these two comes down to the person’s heart and their reasons for speaking up. When someone questions a Church leader out of pride, they often want to show that they are smarter or better than the person in charge. They may feel angry or hurt because the leader disagreed with them or did not do what they wanted. A person acting from pride will usually tell many other people about the problem and will try to build support against the leader. They may attack the person’s character or intelligence rather than discussing the real issue at stake. They often feel good about themselves when they criticize the leader and take pleasure in making fun of them. A person who questions from pride usually does not care about fixing the problem; they just want to win and be proven right. On the other hand, a person who questions from genuine faith cares more about the Church and the truth than about winning or proving themselves right. They will go first to the person in charge and speak to them privately, as Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15. A person acting from faith will speak with respect for the leader’s office and position, even when they strongly disagree with what the leader has done. They will only tell others if it is necessary to protect the faith or if the private conversation did not help. A person questioning from faith will be sad about the problem, not happy or angry, and they will look for ways to help the leader understand the issue. They will be open to being wrong themselves and will listen if the leader has reasons for their choice that the questioner did not know about. A person acting from genuine faith will be willing to suffer for speaking the truth and will not expect praise or thanks for doing so. The difference between pride and faith shows itself in the person’s attitude, their method, and what they hope will happen as a result.

The Role of Humility When Speaking Up

Humility is the most important thing a person needs when they want to question a Church leader about something serious. Humility means knowing that you might be wrong, knowing that you do not have all the facts, and knowing that you are not better than the person you disagree with. A person who speaks up without humility will cause damage to the Church and will likely make things worse instead of better. The Catechism teaches that humility is the virtue that keeps a person from pride and from thinking they know more than they do (CCC 2540). When a person is humble, they can admit that they might have made a mistake in how they see a situation. They can accept that the Church leader might have good reasons for doing what they did, even if those reasons were not explained well at the time. A humble person will not demand that everyone agree with them and will not try to force others to take their side. Instead, a humble person will present their concerns clearly and then trust that God will guide the Church in the right direction. Humility also means respecting the person’s right to make decisions, even when you think the decision is wrong. When you go to a Church leader with a concern, you should not go as though you are sure you are right and they are wrong. You should go as someone who wants to work with the leader to find the truth together. You should listen carefully to what the leader says and try to understand why they made the choice they did. If they explain something that you did not know before, you should be willing to change your mind. If after listening you still think something is wrong, then you can keep expressing your concern, but always with respect and humility. A person who stays humble when they question a Church leader shows that they care about the Church more than they care about being right. Humility makes it possible for your words to be heard and received by the leader instead of being rejected or ignored.

How to Speak Up in the Right Way

The method you use to question a Church leader matters just as much as why you are doing it. Jesus gave us a clear guide for how to handle conflicts with other people in Matthew 18:15-17. According to this teaching, if you have a problem with someone, you should go to them alone first and tell them what is wrong. If they listen to you, then the problem is solved and you do not need to tell anyone else. If they do not listen to you, then you can bring one or two other people with you to help work things out. Only if that does not work should you take it to the wider community or Church. This same method applies when you have concerns about a Church leader. Your first step should always be to speak to the leader directly and privately. You should be respectful and calm, and you should explain specifically what concerns you, using facts rather than feelings or opinions. You should ask the leader to help you understand why they made the choice they did. Many times a person will learn new information that changes how they see the situation. If the leader refuses to listen or if the matter is serious enough that it affects the faith of many people, then you may need to take the concern to someone else. In this case, you should go to the next level of authority in the Church, which might be the bishop if you have concerns about a priest. You should bring written documentation of your concerns and be ready to explain them clearly and calmly. You should never speak to many people about the problem before going through the proper channels, because this causes gossip and division in the Church. If you have concerns about very serious matters like the abuse of power or crimes, you should report these to the appropriate Church authorities and, if needed, to civil authorities. A person who follows this method of speaking up shows respect for the structure of the Church and for the person they disagree with. This method also protects the peace of the Church and gives the leader a chance to respond and explain themselves before the matter becomes public. Speaking up in the right way means that your words are more likely to be heard and taken seriously.

Serious Matters Worth Speaking Up About

Not every decision a Church leader makes is worth questioning them about, because doing so too often can cause harm to the Church and can undermine the respect that people should have for their leaders. A person should only speak up about serious matters that touch on the faith itself or that cause real harm to the people of God. If a Church leader teaches something that goes against the official teaching of the Church, that is a serious matter that might need to be questioned. If a priest tells people that they do not have to follow a teaching of the Church or that something sinful is acceptable, then this is a serious problem. If a bishop or pastor acts in ways that show they do not believe in the faith or that they are living in a way that is clearly against Catholic teaching, that is also serious. If a Church leader uses their power to hurt people, to take advantage of them, or to cover up wrongdoing, these are very serious matters that should be reported to the right people. Sexual abuse or any abuse of power is never acceptable and should always be reported, first to Church authorities and then to civil authorities if needed. Matters of money or how the Church uses its resources can sometimes be serious enough to speak up about, especially if money meant for the poor is being used in other ways. However, not every decision a leader makes will be one that everyone agrees with, and most of these everyday decisions are not serious enough to warrant questioning. If a priest wants to change the way Mass is said, or if a bishop wants to move money from one parish to another, these are matters of judgment where the leader has the right to make choices. A person might disagree with these choices, but they are not serious enough to warrant a public questioning or complaint. A good rule to follow is this: if the matter affects the faith or the safety of people, it is serious enough to speak up about. If the matter is just about a different way of doing things or a choice you would not have made, then it is usually better to accept the leader’s choice and move forward. This wisdom helps keep the Church focused on what really matters and helps people know when to speak up and when to be quiet.

What the Church’s Teaching Says About This

The Catholic Church itself has teachings about when people should speak up and how they should do it. The Catechism tells us that the laity, meaning the regular people of the Church who are not priests or bishops, have the right to make their concerns known to the Church leaders (CCC 907). This right exists so that the people of God can help the Church stay true to its mission and can bring information to the leaders that they might not otherwise know about. The Catechism also teaches that the clergy and laity should work together to build up the Church, which means they need to communicate with each other (CCC 910). The Church recognizes that good communication between leaders and the people is important for the health of the Church. The Second Vatican Council, which was a major meeting of bishops from all over the world, taught about the responsibilities that all members of the Church have. The Council said that all of God’s people share in the work of building up the Church and that everyone has a part to play in this work. This means that it is not just the job of the bishops and priests to care for the Church; it is everyone’s job. At the same time, the Church teaches that people should have respect for Church authority and should not act in ways that divide the Church or undermine the faith of others. The Pope is the head of the Church on earth, and he has authority to make decisions for the whole Church, but he also is called to listen to the whole Church and to care for all the people (CCC 882). The Church recognizes that authority is a service, which means that those who have authority are supposed to use it to serve others, not to control them or make themselves powerful. Church teaching also includes the idea that if a Church leader teaches something that is clearly against the faith, then people do not have to follow that teaching. This comes from the principle that the faith itself is more important than any single person’s authority. If a Pope or bishop taught something that said Christ was not God or that the Church was not true, people would have the right and the duty to reject that teaching. This principle shows that the Church recognizes there are limits to authority and that the faith comes before any human person. The Church also teaches that we should pray for our leaders and that we should give them the benefit of the doubt when we are trying to understand their actions (CCC 2238). This does not mean we should never question them, but it means we should do so in a way that shows we are trying to understand them and help them, not attack them.

Examples from the Lives of Saints

Saint Thomas Aquinas was one of the greatest teachers in the history of the Church, and he lived at a time when the Pope and Church leaders were not always following the best path. Thomas studied the teachings of the Church deeply and sometimes pointed out when something did not fit with what the Church had always taught. He did this with great respect for the Pope and the bishops, but he was willing to think carefully and to offer his ideas for how to understand the faith better. The Church later recognized his wisdom and made him a doctor of the Church, which shows that his willingness to think and to speak up was valued. Saint Joan of Arc was a simple woman who heard what she believed were messages from God telling her to save France from its enemies. The Church leaders of her time questioned her deeply about these messages and tried to understand if they were really from God or not. Joan spoke up for what she believed was true, even though she was willing to submit to the Church if the Church said she was wrong. In the end, she was put to death by enemies, but the Church later recognized her as a saint and said that she was right to follow what she believed God was calling her to do. Saint Peter Damian was a monk and Church leader who saw many problems in the Church of his time, including monks and clergy who were not living holy lives. He wrote strong letters to Church leaders, including popes, telling them about these problems and calling them to reform. He did this with love for the Church and with sadness about the problems he saw, not with anger or pride. The Church honored his work for reform and recognized him as a saint and a doctor of the Church. Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a mystic and writer who lived in the Middle Ages and who spoke to popes and bishops about the state of the Church. She was not afraid to tell Church leaders that she thought they were making mistakes or that they should do things differently. She had the support and respect of many Church leaders during her lifetime, and the Church later recognized her as a saint and a doctor of the Church. These examples show that the Church has a long history of recognizing holy people who were willing to speak up to their leaders when they thought something needed to change. The fact that these people are now honored as saints shows that questioning a Church leader is not always wrong and that sometimes it is part of living a faithful life.

The Danger of Never Speaking Up

While it is wrong to question Church leaders out of pride or for the wrong reasons, it is also wrong and dangerous to never speak up about serious problems. If all the people in the Church stayed silent when they saw something wrong, then the Church could go down a bad path and many people could be hurt. History shows that when people in the Church did not speak up about serious problems, the problems got worse and more people suffered. The abuse of power and the abuse of people are things that happen in any organization, and they are not stopped just by people in power policing themselves. The Church has a principle called subsidiarity, which means that decisions should be made at the level closest to where the problem is, and that people should be able to speak up about problems they see (CCC 1883). This principle recognizes that people who are close to a problem often know more about it than people who are far away, so their voices should be heard. If priests and bishops never listened to the concerns of regular people, then many problems would never be fixed. In recent times, the Church has learned that when people knew about abuse and did not speak up or report it, the abuse continued and more victims were hurt. Church leaders have said that this was a serious failure and that people should have spoken up about what they knew. The lesson from this experience is that people do have a responsibility to report serious crimes and serious problems, even when the person who is doing wrong is someone in authority. If a priest or bishop is abusing power or hurting people, then this must be reported to authorities who can stop it. Staying silent to protect someone’s reputation is not a form of respect; it is a failure to love the people who are being hurt. The Catholic faith teaches that we must always act with love, and love sometimes means speaking up even when it is hard to do so. A person who knows about serious wrong and says nothing is failing in their duty to care for others.

Understanding Obedience and Authority

The Catholic Church teaches that obedience is a virtue and that people should respect those in authority. The Bible teaches this in many places, such as Hebrews 13:17, which tells Christians to obey their leaders and submit to their authority. This teaching does not mean that obedience is blind or that people should follow orders that are sinful. The Catechism teaches that obedience to human authorities is only right when those authorities are acting within their proper power and when they are not asking people to do something sinful (CCC 2242). A soldier who is ordered to kill innocent people should not obey that order, because the order is sinful. A person who is ordered to do something against their faith should not obey that order, because faith is more important than any human authority. This principle applies to Church leaders as well as to civil leaders. A priest who orders someone to do something sinful has no authority to make that command, and the person has not only the right but the duty to refuse. Obedience to Church leaders is important for the good order of the Church, but it is not more important than obedience to God and the faith. When a Church leader gives a command that is against the faith or that is sinful, then a person should respectfully refuse and can explain why they cannot obey. At the same time, a person should not refuse obedience on small matters just because they disagree with how the leader chooses to use their authority. This is where wisdom comes in, and a person needs to know the difference between a serious matter that they should refuse and a matter where they should respect the leader’s choice. The Church has a long history of teaching that conscience is important and that a person should follow their conscience before they follow human authority (CCC 1782). At the same time, a person should form their conscience carefully by learning the teachings of the Church and by seeking guidance from people who know the faith well. A person should not just follow their own ideas about what is right; they should listen to what the Church teaches and try to understand why the Church teaches what it does. Obedience and authority work best when there is respect on both sides and when people understand that authority exists to serve the good of the community.

How to Know If You Should Speak Up

A person might be wondering if they should speak up about something they see a Church leader doing that they think is wrong. There are some questions you can ask yourself to help you know if you should speak up. First, ask yourself if this matter concerns the faith or the safety and wellbeing of people in the Church. If the answer is no, then you probably should not speak up, because the leader has the right to make decisions about how to run the Church. Second, ask yourself if you have all the facts and if you really understand why the leader made the choice they did. If you do not know the full story, then you should first try to learn more before you speak up. Third, ask yourself if your main concern is for the Church and for other people, or if your main concern is that you did not get what you wanted. If your concern is mainly about yourself, then you are not ready to speak up yet. Fourth, ask yourself if you have tried to speak to the leader directly and privately about this matter. If you have not done this yet, then this should be your first step. Fifth, ask yourself if you are willing to listen to the leader’s reasons and to accept that you might be wrong about the situation. If you are not willing to listen and to be corrected, then speaking up will not help. Sixth, ask yourself if you are prepared to speak with respect and humility and to accept that the leader might not agree with you or change their choice. If you think you cannot do this, then you need to work on your own heart before you speak up. Seventh, ask yourself if there is a good chance that speaking up will actually help solve the problem or if it will just cause more conflict and division. If you think it will just cause conflict, then it might be better to stay silent and to pray for the leader instead. Eighth, ask yourself if you would be willing to say the same things you are thinking in front of the leader’s face that you would say behind their back. If you would not be willing to say it in front of them, then you should not say it to others. These questions can help you know if you should speak up and if the time is right.

The Role of Charity in Speaking About Problems

Charity is the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us, and it should guide everything we do, including how we speak about Church leaders. Charity means that we should love other people and want what is good for them, even when we disagree with them about something important. When you are thinking about speaking up to a Church leader about something you think is wrong, you should first check your own heart and make sure that you are coming from a place of charity. A person who speaks from charity will want to help the leader understand the problem and will hope that the leader will see the truth and change. A person who speaks from charity will not want to hurt the leader or to make them look bad in front of others. A person who speaks from charity will be sad about the problem that they see and will not take pleasure in pointing out what the leader did wrong. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 what charity looks like. Charity is patient and kind, it does not boast or brag, and it is not rude. Charity does not look for ways to hurt the people it disagrees with; instead, it tries to understand them and to help them. When you are about to speak to a Church leader about something wrong, you can ask yourself: Am I being patient and kind, or am I being harsh and quick to judge. Am I trying to understand why the leader made this choice, or am I just sure that they were wrong. Am I ready to listen and to change my mind if I learn new information, or am I just looking to win an argument. These questions can help you know if you are speaking from charity or from some other motive. Charity also means that you should protect the leader’s good name as much as you can while still speaking the truth. You should not tell lots of people about the problem before you have spoken to the leader yourself. You should not exaggerate what the leader did or make it sound worse than it is. You should not spread rumors or gossip about the leader. You should state the facts clearly and simply and let people judge for themselves. Charity means that even when you think a leader has done something wrong, you still respect the person and the office they hold. You can be firm about the truth while still being kind to the person. Charity guides us to seek the good of the Church and the good of the leader, not to hurt anyone or to prove ourselves right.

What Happens When You Speak Up

If you decide to speak up to a Church leader about something you think is wrong, you should be prepared for different possible results. One possibility is that the leader will listen to you, will understand your concern, and will either change what they are doing or will explain their choice in a way that helps you understand why they made it. This is the best possible result, and it means that your speaking up helped the Church and helped the leader. Another possibility is that the leader will not agree with you and will not change anything. In this case, you need to decide if the matter is serious enough to take further or if you should accept the leader’s choice and move on. A third possibility is that the leader will become defensive and will not want to listen to your concern at all. This does not mean you were wrong to speak up, but it does mean that the leader might not be ready to hear what you have to say. In this case, you can pray for the leader and wait to see if circumstances change or if you have a chance to bring the matter up again at a better time. You should be prepared for the chance that the leader might not react well to what you say and might blame you for the problem or might even try to punish you for speaking up. This is not right, but it can happen, and you should be ready for it. Jesus warned his followers that speaking the truth can bring suffering, and he said blessed are those who are persecuted for speaking what is right (CCC 2262). If you speak up and suffer for it, you can take comfort in the fact that you are following the example of Jesus and the saints. You should not speak up expecting that you will be thanked or praised for doing so. In fact, it is often the case that people who speak the truth about serious problems face blame or punishment, at least at first. But the Church teaches that God sees what is in our hearts, and that he will reward those who act with good motives even if people blame them (CCC 1039). One important thing to know is that if you speak up about something serious like abuse or a crime, the leader has a duty to report it to the right people. If a leader refuses to report a serious crime, then you may need to report it yourself to civil authorities. The Church teaches that we should cooperate with the civil authorities when it comes to serious crimes. Speaking up might lead to an investigation, and you should be prepared for that and should cooperate fully with those who are trying to find out what happened. You should also be prepared for the chance that your concern might not be taken seriously the first time, and you might need to speak up again or go to someone else in authority.

Balancing Respect and Truth

One of the hardest things about speaking up to a Church leader is figuring out how to be both respectful and truthful at the same time. You want to tell the truth, but you also want to respect the leader and the office they hold. These two things might seem to go against each other, but they can actually work together. Being truthful does not mean being mean or disrespectful. You can tell someone exactly what you think is wrong without attacking them or their character. You can be firm about what you believe is right while still being kind to the person. When Jesus corrected people, he did so clearly and without hiding the truth, but he also showed love and concern for them. In John 8, Jesus did not hide the truth about the woman who was caught in adultery, but he also did not judge her harshly or refuse to help her. He told her the truth about what she did, but he also told her that he did not condemn her and that she should go and sin no more. This shows that truth and love can go together. When you speak to a Church leader, you should use words that are clear and honest, but you should also speak in a tone that shows respect. You should acknowledge that the leader has authority and that you are not trying to take that authority away from them. You should make it clear that you are bringing a concern to them, not accusing them of doing something wrong on purpose. You might say something like, I want to talk to you about something that concerns me. I respect you and I know you want what is best for the Church. I have noticed that this is happening, and I wonder if you have thought about how it might affect people. This approach shows both respect and honesty. Balancing respect and truth also means that you should not feel like you have to agree with everything a leader says just to be respectful. Respect does not mean blind obedience or pretending that something is right when you think it is wrong. Respect means that you treat the person with honor while still being honest about what you believe. A leader deserves respect for the office they hold, even if you think they are making a mistake. You can respect someone and still disagree with them. You can respect someone and still speak the truth about what you think is wrong.

The Difference Between Questioning and Attacking

It is important to understand the difference between asking real questions and making attacks. When you question a Church leader, you are asking for information and trying to understand their thinking. When you attack a Church leader, you are trying to hurt them or prove that they are wrong or bad. A real question is asked in a way that shows you want to understand. You might ask, Can you help me understand why you made this choice. What information did you have that led you to this decision. Is there something I do not know about this situation. These kinds of questions show that you are open to learning and that you respect the leader enough to want to hear their side of the story. An attack, on the other hand, is phrased in a way that assumes the leader did something wrong. You might say, How could you make such a bad choice. Do you not care about what happens to people. Do you even believe in the faith anymore. These kinds of statements are attacks, not questions, because they assume the worst about the leader and do not give them a chance to explain. When you question a Church leader, you should use language that is specific and factual. You should say, I noticed that money that was supposed to go to help the poor went to something else instead. Can you help me understand why. This is a real question that asks for information. You should not say, You do not care about the poor and you just want money for yourself. This is an attack that assumes bad motives without knowing the facts. A real question shows respect for the leader as a person. You remember that they are a human being who might make mistakes, just like all people do. An attack treats the leader as an enemy or as someone who is bad or evil. A real question is focused on the action or the choice that concerns you, not on the person’s character or worth. An attack focuses on the person themselves and tries to make them look bad. When you are trying to decide if you are questioning or attacking, you can ask yourself: Am I trying to understand this person and this situation, or am I trying to hurt this person or prove they are wrong. Would I speak the same way to someone I loved and wanted to help, or am I using harsh words that I would not normally use. The answer to these questions will help you know if you are really questioning or if you are really attacking.

Accepting That Leaders Are Human

Church leaders are human beings, just like everyone else, and they make mistakes and have weakness just like all people do. A priest or bishop is not perfect, and they are not always right about everything. The Church teaches that the Pope himself is not protected from error in his personal opinions or in his choices about how to run the Church, but only in official teachings about faith and morals (CCC 891). This means that a Pope can make a bad choice about something, and people can question that choice. Even the Pope is a human being who is learning and growing just like everyone else. When you understand that Church leaders are human, it becomes easier to speak up about problems, because you are not expecting them to be perfect or to know everything. At the same time, you should remember that being human does not excuse serious wrongdoing. A priest who abuses people is still doing something gravely wrong, even though he is human. A bishop who covers up crimes is still acting wrongly, even though he is human. Understanding that leaders are human does not mean accepting all of their choices or being silent about serious problems. It just means that you approach them with some compassion and understanding, while still holding them accountable for their actions. Church leaders take on a great responsibility when they accept their role in the Church. Jesus said that leaders will be judged more strictly than others because they have power over people (CCC 1558). This means that Church leaders should expect to be questioned and held accountable, and most of them know this. A good leader will welcome honest questions and will not be offended by people who come to them with real concerns. A poor leader might get defensive and might punish people for speaking up, but that is their failure, not the failure of the person who had the courage to speak. When you remember that Church leaders are human, you can also pray for them and have compassion for them. They carry heavy burdens and they face many challenges. You can disagree with their choices while still caring about them as people and wanting good things for them. You can speak up about problems while still asking God to help them and guide them. This balance of holding leaders accountable and having compassion for them is part of what it means to be a faithful member of the Church.

Finding Advice and Support

If you are thinking about speaking up to a Church leader about something serious, it can help to talk to someone wise and trusted before you do it. You might talk to a priest who is not the person you have a concern about, or you might talk to a spiritual director or a wise member of the Church community. These people can help you think through your concern and can help you figure out if this is something you should speak up about and if you are doing it for the right reasons. A spiritual director or a wise advisor can help you see if you are acting from pride or from genuine faith. They can help you decide if the matter is serious enough to speak up about. They can give you advice about how to approach the leader and what words to use. They can prepare you for possible reactions and can help you know how to handle them. They can also help you if your speaking up leads to difficult situations. It is important to choose someone wise who knows the faith well and who has good judgment about people and situations. You should choose someone who is not just going to agree with everything you say, but who will help you see the truth about the situation, even if the truth is not what you want to hear. The Church teaches that we should seek counsel from wise people when we are facing difficult choices (CCC 1806). This is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of wisdom. A person who seeks advice before acting is showing good judgment and humility. You might also find it helpful to read what the Church teaches about these matters and to learn from the examples of saints who spoke up. The more you understand the faith, the better equipped you will be to know when something is really wrong and when you should speak up about it. You should also remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Many faithful Catholics have faced situations where they thought they should speak up to a Church leader, and many of them have found support and guidance from others who helped them think through the situation. The Church is a community, and we are meant to help each other live out our faith faithfully. If you are in a situation where you need to report a serious crime or abuse, there are organizations that can help you and can guide you through the process. These organizations understand how hard it is to speak up and can support you as you do so.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The question of whether it is wrong to question Church leaders does not have a simple yes or no answer. The answer depends on why you are questioning, how you are questioning, and what you are questioning about. It is not wrong to question a Church leader if you do so from genuine faith and concern for the Church, if you speak with respect and humility, and if you follow the right process of going to the leader first in private. At the same time, it is wrong to question a Church leader out of pride or to undermine their authority for selfish reasons. The history of the Church shows that many saints questioned their leaders and that the Church honored them for doing so. This teaches us that the Church values truth and that it recognizes that leaders can make mistakes. However, the Church also values order and respect, and it teaches that people should not speak up on every little disagreement or matter of personal preference. The wisdom of the Church is that we should balance respect for authority with the courage to speak up about serious matters that touch on the faith or that harm people. Jesus himself sometimes questioned and corrected the leaders of the Jewish people, and he called his followers to seek truth above all else. At the same time, Jesus taught his followers to be humble and to serve others, not to be proud or to seek power. Following Jesus means that we should be willing to speak up when we see something seriously wrong, but we should do so in a way that shows love for the Church and respect for the people in it. We should remember that the Church is not just the leaders; it is all of God’s people working together. When we speak up about problems, we are doing so for the good of the whole Church, not for ourselves. When we question Church leaders with good motives and in the right way, we are actually helping the Church and helping the leaders themselves to grow in holiness and in their understanding of the faith. The Church teaches that we all have a responsibility to care for the Church and to help it stay true to its mission. This responsibility sometimes means that we need to speak up, even when it is hard and even when we might face suffering for doing so. If you find yourself in a situation where you think you should speak up, take time to pray about it and to seek wise advice. Check your own heart to make sure you are acting from faith and not from pride. Go to the person first in private and speak with respect and humility. Be prepared to listen and to learn. Trust that God is working in the Church even when things look bad. Remember the examples of the saints who spoke up and who trusted God. And remember that you are not responsible for fixing everything; you are only responsible for being faithful to what you see and for doing what is right with good motives. God takes care of the Church, and our job is to be faithful members of the Church and to help each other live out our faith with honesty and with love.