Meaning: The quote "Bishops are like umpires. You have to have them to call the close decisions" by Frank Butler draws an analogy between bishops in the context of the church and umpires in sports. This comparison highlights the role of bishops in making important decisions within the church and emphasizes the necessity of their presence in resolving complex or contentious matters.

In the context of the Catholic Church, bishops are ordained members of the clergy who hold a position of authority and leadership within their respective dioceses. They are responsible for providing pastoral care to the faithful, overseeing the administration of the sacraments, and upholding the teachings and traditions of the Church. Additionally, bishops are entrusted with the task of making critical decisions that affect the spiritual and administrative aspects of their dioceses.

The comparison of bishops to umpires suggests that, like umpires in sports, bishops play a crucial role in making judgment calls and resolving disputes within the church. In sports, umpires are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, making fair and impartial decisions, and maintaining order on the field. Similarly, bishops are called upon to interpret and apply the teachings of the Church, adjudicate disputes, and provide guidance to the faithful in matters of faith and morals.

Furthermore, the analogy implies that just as umpires are essential for ensuring the integrity and fairness of a game, bishops are indispensable for maintaining the unity and coherence of the Church. Their authority and discernment are crucial in addressing challenging and complex issues that arise within the ecclesiastical community. By invoking the comparison to umpires, the quote underscores the pivotal role of bishops as spiritual leaders and guardians of the faith.

Frank Butler, the author of the quote, was a prominent Catholic layman known for his work in promoting Catholic education and social justice. His analogy reflects a deep understanding of the significance of bishops within the hierarchical structure of the Church and the weight of their responsibilities.

In conclusion, the quote "Bishops are like umpires. You have to have them to call the close decisions" illuminates the pivotal role of bishops as spiritual leaders and decision-makers within the Catholic Church. The analogy to umpires underscores the necessity of bishops in resolving complex matters and ensuring the integrity and coherence of the ecclesiastical community. Frank Butler's comparison offers a compelling perspective on the indispensable function of bishops in upholding the teachings, traditions, and unity of the Church.