Key Points
- Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior accused Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò of defamation and possibly conducting an illicit ordination.
- The conflict arose from Viganò’s criticism of a “shamanic ceremony” at a chrism Mass, which Powers defended as honoring Native American heritage.
- Powers demanded a public apology and clarification regarding Viganò’s alleged involvement in an illicit ordination and sending an illicitly ordained individual to the Superior Diocese.
Bishop James Powers has publicly rebuked Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, accusing him of public defamation and possibly conducting an illicit ordination.
This controversy began when Viganò criticized a ceremony at the start of the Superior Diocese’s 2024 Chrism Mass, which he described as a “shamanic ceremony” and a “very serious sacrilege.”
Powers defended the ceremony, stating it was part of a tradition to honor Native American heritage. He also highlighted that Viganò had previously attended similar events without objection. Furthermore, Powers addressed concerns over Viganò’s alleged involvement in an illicit ordination and the unauthorized sending of an individual to the Superior Diocese.
He demanded a public apology from Viganò for the accusations and defamation.
Catholic News Agency reports:
The clash between Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior and Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò stems from a March 22 post on X in which the controversial former Vatican official criticized what he called a “shamanic ceremony” at the start of the Superior Diocese’s 2024 chrism Mass.
The March 19 Mass at its outset featured four Ojibwe women engaging in traditional dance while accompanied by Indigenous drumming. Viganò in his post called the ritual “a very serious sacrilege,” describing Powers as “a squalid official of the ecumenical religion” and “not a successor of the apostles but a servant of Freemasonry.” You can watch the beginning of the Mass in the diocese’s video here.
Powers responded in a sharply worded letter dated April 5, accusing Viganò of a “violation of my right to a good name and reputation.” The diocese posted the letter on its Facebook page.
| Themes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tradition vs. Innovation | Acknowledges and honors Native American heritage in Catholic ceremonies. | Potential for controversy and misunderstanding of intentions. |
| Public Accusations | Brings attention to concerns over ecclesiastical conduct and integrity. | May harm reputations and relationships within the Church. |
| Demand for Apology | Seeks to address grievances openly and restore respect. | The public nature of the demand may escalate tensions. |
Questions to Consider
- How should the Church balance traditional practices with respect for local cultures and traditions?
- What are the implications of public disputes among high-ranking Church officials for the Catholic community?
- How can the Church ensure transparency and accountability in its ranks without causing scandal or division?
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