Swing Honors Roman Catholic Archbishop on New Appointment
May 31st, 2005 by sfuqua
Bishop William E. Swing of California has written the following
reflection to honor Roman Catholic Archbishop William J. Levada of San
Francisco, who on Friday, May 13, was named prefect of the Vatican's
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Distributed by the Episcopal News Service (ENS)
Bishop William E. Swing
May 18, 2005
When Pope Benedict XVI named Archbishop William J. Levada to lead the
Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, there was much
rejoicing in San Francisco. Certainly among his Roman Catholic flock, but
also among Jews, Muslims, Protestants, and a host of others. Archbishop
Levada has a generous and hospitable heart toward people of varying faiths.
Therefore, so many of us feel as though a friend is headed toward Rome.
When he was chosen to be the co-chair, along with our Presiding Bishop, of
ARCIC (Anglican-Roman Catholic Interfaith Consultation), the first thing he
did was to come to Grace Cathedral and ask to see a Book of Common Prayer.
From there Archbishop Levada studied our Anglican ethos and even attended the
2003 General Convention in Minneapolis. He sat in on the debates of both
Houses surrounding consents for the Bishop of New Hampshire.
When the Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of California had its annual
banquet in 1998, we chose to honor Archbishop Levada and the Catholic
Charities, which at the time was celebrating 90 years of service. His concern
for the poor and marginalized is well recognized in the Bay Area. The
Episcopal Charities and the Catholic Charities have become colleagues, and
now we complement rather than compete.
One of the upcoming occasions of farewell for the Archbishop will be
hosted by interfaith leaders. Archbishop Levada reached out specifically to
the Jewish and Muslim communities. His ecumenical officer was a pioneer board
member of the United Religions Initiative. And on many local and national
social issues his leadership rallied religious leaders to take a stand. Each
year he also hosts an ecumenical or an interfaith luncheon at St. Mary's
Cathedral, San Francisco.
Personally I cherish the Madonna and Child which he brought to our home
when we dined with our dear friend Anthony, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan. On
that evening we decided to go together to see the Pope, the Ecumenical
Patriarch, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. We left in April 2003. A
memorable and deeply moving ecumenical pilgrimage. Pope John Paul II had one
audience for us and one for our entourage. His All Holiness, Bartholomew,
hosted us for two days in Istanbul. We were unable to get on the calendar of
the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the Bishop of London and the dean of
Canterbury Cathedral were marvelously welcoming. All of us came away with a
far deeper appreciation of each other's tradition and genuine affection
for each other.
By the way, the Archbishop and I were born in the same summer, both named
William, graduated from schools in the same years, were ordained to the
priesthood on the same day, consecrated bishops around the same time, and
served in San Francisco. Now when most bishops my age have retired, here is
Levada starting anew in one of the most important religious positions in the
world.
I truly admire him. His heart toward God. Outstanding scholar. Devotion to
the Church. A rich capacity for friendship. Candor, strength, integrity, and
grace. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit he will be faithful to Jesus
Christ and serve with courage and compassion.
Thank you for this wonderful narrative of the rich interfaith experience and attitude with with Archbishop Levada assumes his new responsibilities. They will be a blessing to peoples of all faiths and to all the world.