Need opinions on next move

[Chardin]

The pastor of our parish yesterday (2-25) came out with an op-ed piece in the newspaper declaring that stable gay marriages would be a good thing for the institution of marriage and attempts by law makers to deny this “right” are not just. He goes on to say how the Vatican has made anti-gay statements recently and are being intolerant (I’m paraphrasing here). Here’s my deal: Before all of this came to pass, this guy did a major building campaign for a parish remodel and I pledged a good sum of money to help. I didn’t know then what I know now obviously. My conscience won’t allow me to fufil my obligation to this project. Even if enough people feel the same way I do, and he bows out and lets someone else take over, there’s no way to know if he’s not behind the scenes.
What is the best way to advise him that I’m out, bearing in mind he may not be the guy who finishes the project?

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Why are you backing out? Are you moving to another parish?

I don’t see the connection between the pledge and the public statements the pastor makes. Is he promoting gay culture within the parish or from the pulpit?

If he is carrying on his duties as pastor well, I don’t know what you have to go on except that maybe you’ve had an overall change of heart and think the remodeling is also in question as one of his excesses.

The alternative is to schedule a time with him, perhaps over a meal, and discuss the situation. This could be very difficult and don’t expect much, but it would be the only real way to get a point across. I doubt that backing out of the remodeling project will have any positive effect, unless many do and complain to the bishop perhaps and you can get the guy moved?

Alan

 

[Toni]

AlanFromWichita:

The alternative is to schedule a time with him, perhaps over a meal, and discuss the situation. This could be very difficult and don’t expect much, but it would be the only real way to get a point across. I doubt that backing out of the remodeling project will have any positive effect, unless many do and complain to the bishop perhaps and you can get the guy moved?

Alan

If all else fails send the article to your Cardinal or Bishop and email it to Pope Benedict. You can find his email at the vatican website.

 

[kmmd]

I think that you should make copies of the article, being sure to include the priests name, the date, and the name of the newspaper, etc. Then write a letter of complaint to your Bishop and send a copy to the Apostolic Nuncio. You could then send a letter to the priest explaining your desicion, making sure that you include a copy of your letter to the Bishop.

While it is likely that the Bishop already knows, the more that people complain, the more likely they will get some response.

You have a right to expect that the man the Bishop puts in charge of your parish actually believes what the Catholic Church teaches. Any priest who does not, is a fraud. It is my experience that while these guys don’t care a hoot for the authority of the Pope, they are intensely interested in money. If several of the generous, faithfilled people of your parish did the same, things will happen.

Be prepared for what happens to not be pretty. I don’t know what diocese you are in, but I believe that sometimes, these men are more than just misguided, and when they are crossed, it can be pretty ugly.

Before you do anything, I think that you should take nine days to make a Novena to your patron saint to ask for guidance.

You can also contact the St. Joseph Foundation in San Antonio, Texas. They may have some experience in dealing with similar situation.

Thank you for caring. This is not about you and I, it is about Jesus Christ. It is He that you are defending. Have Courage!!!

 

[Chardin]

Excellent opinions. If we backed out, we would leave the parish. The kicker here is that part of the renovation is a large adult education center in addition to the church building itself. I feel as though my check would go directly to fueling dissent to folks who don’t know any better or who should. I’m really not looking forward to this. I wanted it to be a nice new parish and to be a part of it. Thanks for the email addresses. I’ll send the article on.

 

[dulcissima]

I think Paul gives good advice:

2 Thessalonians 3

13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

*14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

These are important instructions, because it is crucial to the unity if the Church that we not create factions and dissent. That is not what Christ wants. That is certainly not the role of a pastor.