The Vatican has created a new "Ordinariate" for disaffected Episcopalians who come over to the Catholic church. Most of the disaffected Episcopalians are unhappy with the ordination of women as priests and bishops, the welcoming of openly gay/lesbian clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions. Many of them believe that such practices violate the basic teachings of Christianity.Read the rest here.
As I read such stories, I understand all the ecclesial reasons for this move, and I'm happy that former Episcopal priests can remain married as they make the move. I just wish we'd extend the same right to our own Catholic priests.
And I have nothing against Episcopalians (or anyone) choosing to join the Catholic church. I think we need an open door.
But overall, I am troubled about this recent move. Generally speaking, the Episcopalians moving over are not disaffected by prayers or hymns or externals. They are uncomfortable with recent Episcopal practices that recognize and bless human equality. Are we violating a fundamental principle of justice when we welcome folks into the Catholic church because they are opposed to gender equality and/or do not accept people of different sexual orientations on an equal basis?
A sense of compassion would dictate helping them through their dilemma, but should the process validate their views?
Of course, current Catholic theology and practice accepts these views, which is unfortunate, but welcoming people who are fleeing practices of human equality is still troubling.
There was a time when many churches (including the Catholic church) supported slavery, but later recognized that it was sinful (in spite of the fact that the Bible accepts it as a fact of life). If we had lived in that age, and had not yet changed, would we have welcomed pro-slavery minions from another denomination because they were pro-slavery and were more comfortable in a church that accepted slavery?
I can hear some people objecting loudly ... this is not the same thing as slavery! It's not cruel to deny women or open gays and lesbians priestly ordination. We don't keep people in bondage or use the lash!
HT: Fr. Z
The article is a perfect example of historical ignorance and cultural insulation. Unfortunately, it's a bit malevolent due to the author's attempts at manipulating emotions. The comment there regarding the new arianism was right on target, especially concerning arianists' own ignorance of their position. Humility has almost become completely forsaken. As another put it, "Come back Shame!"
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in the pews, I notice all the daughters doing pretty well; the sons, not so much- this is mostly because everyone is happy with the girls doing all the things men can do, while we ignore the fact that the one thing men can't do isn't being done very much.
ReplyDeleteI also notice the homily is full of the sort of pop psychology women like. Would it be really wrong of me to shout out something like 'catechesis & exegesis', or 'why are you quoting a Spiderman movie when you could quote Chrysostom?'
The Roman Rite with its 'social justice'-obsessed bishops and nuns in pantsuits is a slow motion trainwreck. Unless a very determined, traditionalist and YOUNG cohort of Cardinals succeed after +Benedict, I really don't see them turning things around.
ReplyDeleteThere may be some hope in Europe, where young Avignonese destroyed 'Piss Christ' and they are seeing once again what was at stake for Christendom at the gates of Vienna. If a European revival does happen, I expect the USCCB/American Church will go into schism.
The author fails to distinguish between a religious vocation and a secular one. Even in a secular job one cannot throw a fit when things do not go one's way.
ReplyDeleteWhy do people expect the religious vocation to be an exception?
I would argue that the issue is not the people in question, but their misunderstandings of what a religious vocation stands for.
When people have given up everything to follow their vocation, you cannot go in with a list and cry when things do not go your way.
Savvy
Oh well, what does one expect from Maureen Dowd and NCR???
ReplyDeleteShe's right...the Church should never take in sinners. All that sinful sinning and stuff...yeech!
ReplyDelete