Msgr. Pope on the Role of the Church in the World

"Some years ago, Fr. Patrick Smith, a friend of mine and a priest of this archdiocese, preached a sermon in which he asked if the Church was a clubhouse or a lighthouse. 

"It seems that many people want the Church just to be a friendly place where people can gather. Many of these same people get angry when the Church shines the light of truth on something. They declare that the Church should just be open and inviting. They object when She is challenging or points to the demands of the gospel.

"The Church must be more than just a clubhouse; otherwise, She is no different than a bowling league or the Moose Lodge. She is most certainly meant to be a lighthouse, warning of danger and giving light to those in darkness, but She also must risk that some who are accustomed to the darkness will complain of the Light of Christ She reflects.

"It was indeed a fine sermon, and its message is essential and profound. I was mindful of that sermon when I ran across [a video from Ignitermedia.com] which asks if the Church is a cruise ship or a battleship."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the role of the Church in the world.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: Is the Church a Cruise Ship or a Battleship? (17 MAY 18)