The most controversial of Dominican priests, Father Rogelio Cruz, sent a document to the press in which he laments that certain Church representatives are more concerned with the privileges associated to the religious institution than with the urgencies of a reign of justice. Without mentioning Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez’s name nor that of any other authority, the Salesian priest said he would like to see Church leaders who are truly cheerful, compassionate and pacific witnesses of the gospel who work towards reconciliation. According to Hoy newspaper’s report, Father Rogelio says in the document that he is saddened by the call to discipline made by some of the Church hierarchy. He advocated a church organization without privileges that is capable of becoming a veritable part of the layman’s society, both pluralistic and democratic, and that promotes pro-active citizens who strive for peace, liberty and justice, and who defend the poor and those who suffer.
Last week, Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Dominican Republic, unleashed a strong criticism of Father Rogelio, calling him “insolent and daring” after Father Rogelio commented that the cardinal did not represent the people.
Father Rogelio is in favor of a church that is less dependent on the economic support, tax exemptions and other privileges of the government that he said divert the Church and religion away from its role in assisting the poor.