How do priests attempt to help a brother priest who is dissenting and disseminating heresy?

[3DOCTORS]

There is a priest who has been getting publicity lately dissenting on the issue of women’s ordination. I just wonder if his brother priests have tried to reason with him. Or if any priests on CAF have had that kind of experience trying to help another priest accept the teachings of the Magisterium. I would imagine that it could be frustrating but perhaps an occasion of grace if they could counsel the heretical priest into reconsidering before he “goes rogue.”

 

[Wardog]

There is a priest who has been getting publicity lately dissenting on the issue of women’s ordination. I just wonder if his brother priests have tried to reason with him. Or if any priests on CAF have had that kind of experience trying to help another priest accept the teachings of the Magisterium. I would imagine that it could be frustrating but perhaps an occasion of grace if they could counsel the heretical priest into reconsidering before he “goes rogue.”

While I am sympathetic to his view, a priest or any other religious has an obligation to refrain from publicly opposing the Pope; if he feels that strongly he should resign. Opposition to the leadership should be privately communicated; going public is simply grandstanding for personal gain, because I doubt the Pope will ever change his mind on this issue based on public opinion.
Before anyone accuses me of hypocrisy, I do believe that a priest, with his unique position, is more bound to keep silent in this matter than a lay person. He owes an obligation to obey the Pope and not act contrary in public. Lay people have more leeway to voice dissent, because we are not in a similar position.

 

[ConstantineTG]

There is a priest who has been getting publicity lately dissenting on the issue of women’s ordination. I just wonder if his brother priests have tried to reason with him. Or if any priests on CAF have had that kind of experience trying to help another priest accept the teachings of the Magisterium. I would imagine that it could be frustrating but perhaps an occasion of grace if they could counsel the heretical priest into reconsidering before he “goes rogue.”

[BIBLEDRB]Matthew 18:15-17[/BIBLEDRB]

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I suspect that prayer will accomplish more than argumentation.

We should join them in that prayer.

 

[3DOCTORS]

This question just came to me because I had not heard about the priest in question until our pastor mentioned something in the Sunday homily, without naming a name. So I did some Googling. And I guess my mind just put together the two thoughts and I was musing what if the dissenting priest had had our pastor to say “Hey, are you sure you want to do this?” :ehh: to him in a loving and brotherly way.

It may not have made any difference, same goes for religious Sisters who dissent, I wonder if other Sisters are ever able to help them.

Because after all, it’s one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, “to admonish sinners.” :sad_yes: It may not be pleasant but we are called upon to do it with our friends when situations present themselves.