In response to the second request from five Buffalo area Catholics, and an anonymous priest, for a visit from the Vatican regarding Bishop Michael Fisher, we offer the following statement on Bishop Fisher’s tenure in the Diocese of Buffalo.
Refusal to acknowledge the changing landscape of the Catholic church in Western New York would paralyze the faith for generations to come. Bishop Michael Fisher, as Bishop of Buffalo, has consulted with more people than any previous process or effort in the Diocese of Buffalo. Bishop Fisher has consistently maintained that it will take all of us working together to meet the very real challenges of today’s church. Bishop Fisher has emphasized the importance in providing crucial ministries to the people of Western New York and has supported the collaboration of these ministries in our parishes. Bishop Fisher refuses to cater to individual agendas on how to administer the Diocese, but has always encouraged input, and listened to collaborative efforts that take into consideration the good of the entire Diocese. The Bishop, as the spiritual guide and shepherd of the diocese, has presided at Mass at nearly all the diocese’s 160 parishes since his installation in January of 2021. He has a regular presence at Catholic elementary and high schools especially during their opening week and Catholic Schools Week. In addition to hosting school events at Saint Joseph Cathedral, he is consistently present at Catholic Charities and other outreach ministries throughout the diocese.
The fact that an unnamed priest has authored a letter to the pope that cannot be responded to personally illustrates a lack of courage by the cleric. Bishop Fisher, from the first day of his arrival as Bishop of Buffalo, has fostered an atmosphere of collaboration with both clergy and laity. He also has made himself highly available to priests to discuss issues and answer questions. It is unfortunate that the author of the letter has not accepted the ongoing invitations of Bishop Fisher to priests to meet. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that Mr. Taheri declined Bishop Fisher’s previous invitation to meet.