Defending the Faithful

[flick427]

Is there an organization (person, group etc…) within the Church that defends the “rights” of Catholics.
In all reality, the church shouldn’t “change” much it should stay in line with her own Tradition, laws etc. The Pope and bishops etc. are really there to minister and keep the church true as the times change instead of the church changing.
For example…If I notice that something the church is doing is wrong according to a cannon law or something the church said etc…can I get anyone on my side to help me argue it against the church. Technically, the church isn’t a democracy, but if there is a bishop or religious that is contradicting church tradition, law or common sense in the best interest of the church or whatever the problem may be, can’t I get someone to help me fight for the truth to prevail?

 

[stbruno]

The antidote to American Civil Liberties Union is the St.Thomas More Society. I know there are others out there, but this one does very valuable work in defending the Catholic faith.

 

[stbruno]

PS, I don’t think it applies in defending a Catholic who is not in agreement with the church though. It defends Catholics from those attacking it from without, not within.

 

[flick427]

stbruno:

The antidote to American Civil Liberties Union is the St.Thomas More Society. I know there are others out there, but this one does very valuable work in defending the Catholic faith.

The Thomas Moore society is great, but I am looking for a group within the church that defends us as Catholics within the church provided it doesn’t go against anything morally…since I don’t have the education to confront a bishop…someone who would back me up???

 

[puzzleannie]

The Catholic Church does not and cannot err in teaching faith and morals, it is protected from doing so by the Holy Spirit. Individual Catholic priests, theologians, catechists, teachers, writers and even bishops can and do err, deliberately or ignorantly. There is a remedy in canon law for every real abuse, it is up to the leadership in each diocese to apply that remedy when it is warranted, the leadership being the person of the bishop. The Church cannot logically prosecute itself. Do not confuse the words and actions of some self-described Catholics with the unfailing magesterial authority of the Church emobodied in the pope and all the bishops, guided by God’s revelation in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

 

[Catholic2003]

If your personal rights as a Catholic are being violated, then the appropriate recourse is through the tribunal system, ending up with the Roman Rota and the Apostolic Signatura. For this, you need a canon lawyer, and the Saint Joseph Foundation might help you out. An example of this situation would be if you are being denied access to a sacrament to which you are entitled.

If the matter does not relate to your personal rights, then the appropriate recourse and possible assistance depends on the nature of the problem that you are encountering.

 

[flick427]

Thanks Catholic 2003.
I think that I understand it as puzzleannie said…
I understand the Church in itself is never wrong, however, the people of the church do make bad decisions errors from the Pope all the way down to the Priest.

I was basically just wanting to know what I can do if I see a bishop or preist do/say the wrong thing…

 

[Church_Militant]

flick427:

Is there an organization (person, group etc…) within the Church that defends the “rights” of Catholics.
In all reality, the church shouldn’t “change” much it should stay in line with her own Tradition, laws etc. The Pope and bishops etc. are really there to minister and keep the church true as the times change instead of the church changing.
For example…If I notice that something the church is doing is wrong according to a cannon law or something the church said etc…can I get anyone on my side to help me argue it against the church. Technically, the church isn’t a democracy, but if there is a bishop or religious that is contradicting church tradition, law or common sense in the best interest of the church or whatever the problem may be, can’t I get someone to help me fight for the truth to prevail?

The Catholic League For Religious and Civil Liberties: HERE:
catholicleague.org/

 

[mtr01]

flick427:

Thanks Catholic 2003.
I think that I understand it as puzzleannie said…
I understand the Church in itself is never wrong, however, the people of the church do make bad decisions errors from the Pope all the way down to the Priest.

I was basically just wanting to know what I can do if I see a bishop or preist do/say the wrong thing…

The usual course of action is to discuss the issue with the priest. If the issue is not resolved, you would then appeal to the Bishop. If there is still no correction, then you have the right to appeal to the Vatican (that’s how it’s been done since the beginnings of the Church).

Actually, one member of this forum, in an effort to correct abuses in his diocese, made a dvd of the abuses and sent them to Rome. If I’m not mistaken, the Vatican shortly thereafter corrected the problem (even replacing the Bishop, I believe).