Goodbye President Gregory

The USCCB elected a new president today, Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane. Bishop Wilton Gregory did an admirable job, considering his entire term was occupied with the Scandal. He and Skylstad arrived in office just after 9/11, so they've never known a moment's peace. I'm sure Gregory is happy to hand the reins over to the VP. In his farewell address, Gregory said he was "drawn to conclude that the Conference as we know it today is likely to be a much different Conference five or ten years from now. There is an increased energy among the bishops that we name more effectively what our priorities are and should be for a greater holiness within the Church and a more successful evangelization of the society in which we live; that we marshal our resources more efficiently towards those priorities; and that we find new and improved ways to ensure that our time together in General Meetings is better used." Being the first African- American to be elected president of the USCCB, Gregory brought tremendous pride to the Black Catholic community. Thus he will be registered in the annals of history for multiple reasons. Let's hope Skylstad's term is marked by a return to tranquility in the American church and that he is able to fulfill the vision set forth by his predecessor for more streamlined operations. Notably, Cardinal George of Chicago was named VP, the first Cardinal to be elected since 1971.