The second after-effect of the 1830 Revolution was seen in the request that Father Court\u00e8s become the Vicar General of the newly-appointed Bishop Rey to the Diocese of Dijon. This new bishop had openly supported the King despite the latter\u2019s public hostility to the Church.<\/p>\n
\n… The proposal made to you by Bishop Rey would arouse my gratitude, if his only purpose were to show you his esteem. I am a little less impressed in the view of the position he is in and the advantages he would hope to derive from your services.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
You are right to conclude that his proposal is unacceptable. First because of your health …. I see no less difficulty on the moral side. Bishop Rey has been installed by the Sovereign Pontiff, but is there anyone who does not know that this installation was extracted by force? Has not Bishop Rey allowed himself to be used by a government that is hostile to the Church? To receive his patronage would be in everyone\u2019s eyes a frank admission of complicity. The very idea fills me with horror….<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
To Hippolyte Court\u00e8s, 11 March 1832, EO VIII n 417<\/em><\/p>\n
The question of collaboration with unjust rulers has been present for centuries \u2013 not just in action, but sometimes silence in the face of injustice can be collaboration.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The second after-effect of the 1830 Revolution was seen in the request that Father Court\u00e8s become the Vicar General of the newly-appointed Bishop Rey to the Diocese of Dijon. This new bishop had openly supported the King despite the latter\u2019s … Continue reading