Good Grief It happened again in the Diocese of Rochester, NY

[felra]

ByzCath:

I take offence to this as I do not suffer from clericalism at all.

I do believe that we should show respect to the clergy but when they are wrong, and proof is shown rather than just saying “he is heterodox” or some such crud as that, then they are wrong.

Why do you take personal offense to a poster’s observation/opinion that clericalism continues to exists in many parts of the Church? Why are you so defensive about being so extra careful not to offend the clergy who are offending the flock? If a priest/bishop is faithful, orthodox, in communion with Rome, then they have nothing to fear; and in fact can stand broad shouldered against any unfounded accusations. It’s the unfaithful, dissident priests/bishops that should have the laity up in arms that they will not accept abuses in matters of faith & morals or otherwise!!

 

[Brad]

ByzCath:

Anyways, show me the document from the Bishop that approves of the practice of non-clergy giving homilies and then I will agree that he is in error as regards to Church Law.

You cannot have it both ways. If you accept the Bishop as Bishop by authority of the Pope, then you must accept the Bishop as responsible to the teachings of the same Pope.

This game can and has been played by liberal priests (many of whom are now Bishops) for several decades. Use Church authority for your position but sneak in the dissent so that none of it is official and in violation of that same authority that gave you the position. If you are not sneaky enough, you lose the game. Great fun.

 

[fix]

felra:

Why do you take personal offense to a poster’s observation/opinion that clericalism continues to exists in many parts of the Church? Why are you so defensive about being so extra careful not to offend the clergy who are offending the flock? If a priest/bishop is faithful, orthodox, in communion with Rome, then they have nothing to fear; and in fact can stand broad shouldered against any unfounded accusations. It’s the unfaithful, dissident priests/bishops that should have the laity up in arms that they will not accept abuses in matters of faith & morals or otherwise!!

Yes, my point about clericalism was not intending at anyone in particular. It is my opnion that much of the dissent, open or covert, is enabled because anytime someone points this out they are told they have no authority to state the obvious.

It really is a game.

 

[fix]

Brad:

You cannot have it both ways. If you accept the Bishop as Bishop by authority of the Pope, then you must accept the Bishop as responsible to the teachings of the same Pope.

This game can and has been played by liberal priests (many of whom are now Bishops) for several decades. Use Church authority for your position but sneak in the dissent so that none of it is official and in violation of that same authority that gave you the position. If you are not sneaky enough, you lose the game. Great fun.

Boy, are you correct. The worst type of dissent is the type that uses cover of authority to perpetuate error and rebellious practices.

It reminds of of what Cardinal Arinze said when answering a questioner about the American bishops denying communion to pro abort politicians. He said even a first grader knows that answer.

One does not need to be ordained or have a doctorate in theology or canon law to understand that sometimes certain bishops allow heterodoxy to go unchecked.

 

[Lalia_Mackay]

This thread is now closed. Thanks to all who participated in the discussion.