In the summer of 2008, after the abrupt removal of Archbishop Burke from his role as the archbishop of Saint Louis, I was asked by The University News to write a commentary reflecting on Burke’s time as head of our local church and what we need in the next archbishop.

My over-arching concern-and plea-as that we receive a man with a pastor’s heart. I emphasized that we needed a shepherd who was willing to feed and guide his whole flock.

Archbishop Carlson’s presence at the altar for the Mass of the Holy Spirit healed a decade of sadness for many on the Saint Louis University campus. His generous words and playful message communicated that he cares for our community, and is willing to engage us where we are, as we are.

Every mature father knows that you love your children as they are, not as you wish for them to be. Keeping the lines of communication open, accepting our hospitality and offering his in return-these are the essential first steps in winning the hearts and minds of those who look to the archbishop for leadership and guidance.

As a Catholic theologian, I wish to be one of the first to express my thanks to Archbishop Carlson for his generosity of spirit. My hope is that dialogue, not confrontation, will be the guiding principle of this era in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.

Leadership by moral persuasion and example will be a powerful witness in a society torn by incivility and the temptation to objectify and dehumanize those with whom we disagree.

Archbishop Carlson, you have our prayerful support. The faith-filled community of Saint Louis University wishes you the best as you guide our local church (and please pass on our thanks to Pope Benedict XVI too).

–Kenneth L. Parker, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Saint Louis University