John Henry Newman (1801-90) canonized today—a confirmation of his saying, “Everything in its time.” In his life he helped restore credibility and respect for Catholicism in England. Yet he evoked suspicion in fellow churchmen at home and in Rome for his “liberal” views.
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His conversion from Anglicanism was prompted by his study of the “development of doctrine”—unwelcome by those who claimed that the church was unchanging in its teaching. He advocated “consulting the laity in matters of faith,” defended the rights of conscience, sep church/state.
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If such values were honored at Vatican II they were not so in the 19th cen. He was considered liberal at a time when what passed for conservatism was close-minded and extreme. In his own mind he was a true conservative—rooted in tradition while open to new questions.
Nevertheless, it was regarded as a sign of renewal in the church when Newman was appointed a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII (his first appointment.) Critics scoffed that this proved the pope had not read him. But today he is named a saint. His motto: “Heart Speaks to Heart.”
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What’s passing for conservatism today, especially in our church, has changed much. It defies Newman’s statement regarding change.
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