Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Maguire always seems to cause confusion among Catholics

Letter from Bishop Choby,

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I recently learned, as some of you may have, that a theology instructor from Marquette University, Daniel Maguire, has been invited to speak at Christ the King Parish this weekend. I was greatly saddened and disturbed to learn that one of our parishes would extend this invitation despite Mr. Maguire’s extensive published record of positions which stand in clear opposition to teachings on the sanctity of life.

His long history in this regard has led to a prohibition against his speaking at parishes of his home diocese. That prohibition, which remains in effect, was put in place a number of years ago by Archbishop Rembert Weakland.

I want to make it perfectly clear that he appears without my endorsement as Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville.

I further wish to make it clear that I have great concern for the confusion that might arise from Mr. Maguire’s appearance. Our Catholic teachings on life issues, which I wholeheartedly endorse, are well known. I encourage the longstanding efforts of many of you, to support the sanctity and dignity of life in all of its stages.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. David R. Choby
Bishop of Nashville
This letter can be found here...However, it seems the pastor of Christ the King Parish has canceled this event:
CANCELLATION OF MAGUIRE PRESENTATION - a statement from Father Mallett:

"I was approached several months ago by a local group who gather regularly for prayer and support in their work for peace and justice. From time to time they have a speaker, and Dan Maguire was mentioned because he had recently published a book in that area of concern. The group wished to have the presentation here for convenience, but it was inadvertently advertised to the Catholic community through the eRegister. In order to avoid any misunderstanding about the Church's position relative to other moral issues written about by Prof. Maguire, such as contraception and abortion, the sponsoring group asked that we cancel the presentation at this parish. I did not extend the original invitation to Prof. Maguire."
Source...

Good call by all! Some Catholics are safer as a result. The event may still be occurring somewhere else, but at least it will not be at this parish.

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