And who are you and what is your background to say what bishops do and do not believe. I have been trying to stay out of exchanges such as this, but your statement was just too judgmental and self righteous to let go unchallenged. Remember you cannot read others hearts. And if you can or think you can, beware of where this non gift is coming from. You will remain in my prayers. Further, this is not the topic of this thread. Do not try to lead it away from the issue. The belief of bishops is not the topic and never should be.
Deacon Ed B
With all due respect Deac. even though we cannot read the thoughts of individuals, including clergy, Archbishop George H. Niederauer of SFO gives the appearance, to me, of lacking backbone in the name of relativism.
Although at the beginning of his article on Sept. 5, he did say in reference to Pelosi’s mistatements regarding the teachings of the Church on abortion, on Tom Brokaw’s show of a week or so ago, “However, her recent remarks are opposed to Church teaching”, I have much difficulty accepting his attitude on the following paragraphs tying into one another to make an article that is logical.
"The very first generation of Christians saw the need to examine one’s conscience regarding one’s worthiness to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord. Writing around 57 A.D., St. Paul told the Corinthians, “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. ]A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.” (1Cor. 11;27-28) and, "However, the unity nourished and expressed in Holy Communion can be broken by serious sin, hence .
If one is ignoring a church teaching does the examination of conscience help since it is NOT a right conscience? and to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation before eating the bread and drinking the cup."
Does the following from Niederauer’s statements from his first paragraph form a bridge? It doesn’t to me.
The practice of the Church is to accept this conscientious self-appraisal of each person (Canon 912). Thus, in this matter the state of the person’s awareness (Pelosi lives in a vacuum?") of his or her situation is of fundamental importance. As the bishops say most forcefully in the 2006 document, we should be cautious when making judgment… which then leads to this:
Nevertheless, the bishops go on to say: “If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to reject the defined doctrines of the Church, or knowingly and obstinately repudiate her definitive teachings on moral issues, however, he or she would seriously diminish his or her communion with the Church. Reception of Holy Communion in such a situation would not accord with the nature of the Eucharistic celebration, so that he or she should refrain.”
I am under the impression for the past sixty years or so, that if anyone did not agree with the Church on a teaching, one was not to be overtly vocal in their defiance, but to follow the teaching of the Church until the dilemma was resolved or not resolved within oneself. but silence is the only option. This should stand for politicians especially since they are in the public eye and have the public exposure to give grevous scandal.
And then Niederauer says,: "In his or her conscience, properly formed, a Catholic should recognize that making legal an evil action, such as abortion, is itself wrong.
The church, through Niederauer, is speaking here but gives Pelosi and himself a way out saying:"What of Catholics who find themselves questioning the teachings of the Church, or experiencing uncertainties and questions about them? The bishops answer, “Some Catholics may not fully understand the Church’s doctrinal and moral teachings on certain issues. They may have certain questions and even uncertainties. In situations of honest doubt and confusion, they are welcome to partake of Holy Communion, as long as they are striving to understand what the Church professes and to resolve confusion and doubt.”
Again, I am under the impression that for the past sixty years or so, as long as I have been aware of the teaching, if anyonedid not agree with the Church on a teaching, one was not to be overtly vocal in their defiance, but to follow the teaching of the Church until the dilemma was resolved or not resolved within oneself, but silence is the only option. This should stand for politicians especially since they are in the public eye and have the public exposure to give grevous scandal.
Pelosi’s way out to follow her conscience were Niederauer’s words: “not fully understand”, “may have certain questions and even uncertainties”, “situations of honest doubt and confusion” “striving to understand”. So now I can salve my conscience when I don’t agree with a Chruch teaching by not fully understanding, have certain questions and uncertainties, experience situations of honest doubt (denial) and confusion and my attitudes and actions will not give slander??? Right.
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