Archbishop expects 'discussion' on letter

Unbelievable!!! As previously posted here, 19 Catholic priests, wrote an open letter defying the Church's teaching on homosexuality. By definition, they are embracing heresy. Yet, in furthering such scandalous behavior, Sherbrooke Archbishop André Gaumond, who is also the president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, said:

"I'm not very happy with the means, to have a public declaration, a public article in the newspaper on a Sunday morning to say, 'We priests are not in accord with our church.'. . .I'm not very happy with that, but it's not a reason to throw them out of the church."

Pray, tell then, good Bishop, what is a good reason? Why, it could have just as easily have been said: Let's let them continue to corrupt souls and lead Catholics on the road to hell. Why, it would be "pastorally insensitive" to rebuke them and call them to task for their heretical actions...After all, we want to give a false appearance of unity when in reality there is none....

Well, your Excellency, while you may not be "very happy" with your priests, what, then does constitute a valid reason to boot heretics?

Let's call like it is, folks! Let us recall, with proper reflection, these words of Pope John Paul II in Ad Tuendam Fidem and the purpose for which he was making these changes:

TO PROTECT THE FAITH of the Catholic Church against errors arising from certain members of the Christian faithful, especially from among those dedicated to the various disciplines of sacred theology, we, whose principal duty is to confirm the brethren in the faith (Lk 22:32), consider it absolutely necessary to add to the existing texts of the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, new norms which expressly impose the obligation of upholding truths proposed in a definitive way by the Magisterium of the Church, and which also establish related canonical sanctions.

The first paragraph states: “With firm faith, I also believe everything contained in the word of God, whether written or handed down in Tradition, which the Church either by a solemn judgment or by the ordinary and universal Magisterium sets forth to be believed as divinely revealed.”(4) This paragraph appropriately confirms and is provided for in the Church’s universal legislation, in canon 750 of the Code of Canon Law(5) and canon 598 of the Code of the Canons of the Eastern Churches.(6)

The third paragraph states: “Moreover I adhere with submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act.”(7) This paragraph has its corresponding legislative expression in canon 752 of the Code of Canon Law(8) and canon 599 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.(9)

3. The second paragraph, however, which states “I also firmly accept and hold each and everything definitively proposed by the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals,”(10) has no corresponding canon in the Codes of the Catholic Church. This second paragraph of the Profession of faith is of utmost importance since it refers to truths that are necessarily connected to divine revelation. These truths, in the investigation of Catholic doctrine, illustrate the Divine Spirit’s particular inspiration for the Church’s deeper understanding of a truth concerning faith and morals, with which they are connected either for historical reasons or by a logical relationship.

4. Moved therefore by this need, and after careful deliberation, we have decided to overcome this lacuna in the universal law in the following way:

A) Canon 750 of the Code of Canon Law will now consist of two paragraphs; the first will present the text of the existing canon; the second will contain a new text. Thus, canon 750, in its complete form, will read:

Canon 750 – § 1. Those things are to be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed either by the solemn Magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal Magisterium, which in fact is manifested by the common adherence of Christ’s faithful under the guidance of the sacred Magisterium. All are therefore bound to avoid any contrary doctrines.

§ 2. Furthermore, each and everything set forth definitively by the Magisterium of the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals must be firmly accepted and held; namely, those things required for the holy keeping and faithful exposition of the deposit of faith; therefore, anyone who rejects propositions which are to be held definitively sets himself against the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Have not these men by such an open letter contradicting or calling into question a teacing of the Church on the grave immorality of homosexual activity not placed themselves outside of the Church? Does not such open dissent require an equally open and public call for repentance and repudiation of the letter? For what reason is there a need to discuss this? Surely one cannot claim that this dissent or rejection of Catholic teaching is somehow occult?

I wonder if perhaps we are witnessing, yet not properly realizing it, a repeat of 1968 all over again where we had uncorrected, and in some places, encouraged rejection of Humanae Vitae?

The updated story on this episcopal failure to publicly correct these priests is here.

Lest I forget in my state of profound angst and disbelief, we need to pray for these priests and for these bishops...Perhaps God will grant them the graces they need to act in conformity with His will and in accord with the teachings of the Church!