Gary Michael Voris: You say that a number of bishops and priests are afraid to announce the truth. What are they afraid of?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: I think they are afraid of negative consequences in their personal life. When they speak the clear truth, they expect attacks from the mass media and from the powerful in this world. Ultimately, this is an egoistic attitude. We have to give our lives for Christ, as the apostles gave their lives, as the saints did. We have to give our lives for the truth and for our neighbor. When I tell someone the truth, even if they do not like it, it is a form of love for my neighbor and for the world.
Therefore, this fear is partly egoistic. Some may be naturally fearful by character. Others are opportunists, thinking about how the media will react. Some are careerists, worried that speaking the truth could harm their career. These are different motivations, known only to God. When they come to the judgment of God, He will reveal this attitude of the clergy. This revelation will come very soon.