The article in which the bishop was quoted was written by Malea Hargett, Editor of the paper.
She writes:
In his homily, Bishop Taylor said the priests might be
leading a flock, but Catholic laypeople are by no means "stupid" like
sheep.
"God has blessed them with many gifts of intellect, many
talents that you and I do not have," he said. "And he has also blessed
them with sincere commitment to Jesus and his Church. They are our
co-workers in the vineyard. So as you begin your priestly ministry, I
urge you to revere the people you serve ... indeed, you will serve them
best by empowering people to contribute their gifts, placing yourself at
their service -- not the other way around. The Church in Arkansas needs
priests who lead by example, who revere the spiritual and ministerial
gifts of those Jesus sends us to serve.
"Our Church should be characterized by collegiality, not
coercion; by intelligent discourse, not edicts imposed from on high; of
ideas and values, not just legal rules. Ninety-nine percent of the time
your ministry will require you to lead but not compel; to inspire and
not shame; to encourage the sheep instead of rebuking them -- and
hopefully that rare 1 percent of the time when rebuking is needed might
never arise, if they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you love them
and revere them."
I couldn't say it any better.
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