Bishop Godfried Danneels

on 4 november 1977, danneels named bishop of antwerp pope paul vi. received episcopal consecration on following 18 december cardinal leo joseph suenens; co-consecrators predecessor jules victor daem , bruges bishop de smedt. consecration, in dutch-language rite in development danneels himself had been involved liturgist, took place in st. james , antwerp cathedral being restored @ time.

three days after consecration invited catholics write him suggestions new bishop , made rounds of diocese consult people. used media, extensively , successfully, expound vision of christian humanism. in can claimed have been modern . in many ways traditional , careful of rome desired. beginning of episcopacy, faced acute problem of numerous priests leaving ministry. in spite of this, energetically defended traditional demand of church priests remain celibate. in july 1978 appointed member of curial congregation doctrine of faith, @ time when edward schillebeeckx first investigated congregation. in face of great pressure leuven faculty of theology, did not intervene on schillebeeckx s behalf.

encouraged , aided predecessor, danneels began build become extensive network, included numerous belgian politicians. important work in next station of life.