DIVISIONS WOUND THE BODY OF CHRIST

And so, it has come to this.

A number of scholars and Clerics have taken it upon themselves to issue  “filial correction” of the Holy Father, saying that his words and actions risk leading Catholics into false doctrines.

These self-appointed defenders of the faith do not accuse the Vicar of Christ of committing either the personal sin of heresy or the canonical crime. 

Rather, they claim that the publication of Amoris Laetitia (AL), and the Pope’s subsequent words and actions and omissions, have led to the spread of “heresies and other errors”. 

Frankly, I think it's a cowardly distinction they make and one which reveals their lack of integrity.

The document, which was delivered a month ago, states: “With profound grief, but moved by fidelity to our Lord Jesus Christ, by love for the Church and for the papacy, and by filial devotion toward yourself, we are compelled to address a correction to Your Holiness on account of the propagation of heresies effected by the apostolic exhortation and by other words, deeds and omissions of Your Holiness.”

Furthermore, the signers claim that they are permitted to address the Pope because of Natural Law – which allows a subject to correct a superior (an argument put forth by St. Thomas Aquinas)  – and by Canon Law, which permits the faithful to make known their views to their pastors -- a false argument, since nowhere do the Canons allow for any "correction" of Sacred Pastors who maintain discretionary and deliberative authority in all matters subject to their jurisdiction.

In addition, they refer to the example of St Paul rebuking St Peter, found in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, Chapter 2 -- again a distortion of the facts, since Paul criticized Peter for contradicting his own teachings and acquiescing under the fear of public reaction to his openness to Gentiles.

Amoris Laetitia, issued in April last year, has provoked diverse interpretations. Several Bishops have said that it is compatible with the Church’s perennial teaching, reaffirmed several times in recent years, that the divorced and remarried cannot receive Communion, except possibly when they resolve to love “as brother and sister”.

However, other Bishops have contradicted this teaching. The Bishops of Malta said that, since avoiding sex outside marriage might be “impossible”, Communion should not be withheld from those who felt “at peace with God”.

The signatories say the Pope is exposing Catholics to a dual spiritual danger.  They will either be led to affirm false doctrines, or they will be led to deny the Pope’s unique prerogatives as Supreme Pontiff. 

While affirming that the Vicar of Christ possesses the charism of infallibility, and the right of universal jurisdiction over Christ’s faithful, the signers observe that Vatican I and Vatican II  “noted that the powers of the Roman pontiff are limited in many ways”, so that some statements – for instance, the most controversial passages in Amoris Laetitia – are not infallible.  Once again, this is a specious argument since non-infallible Papal teachings still bind upon the conscience of the faithful who must receive them with obedience and respect.

Specifically, the correction notes seven errors which Amoris Laetitia and other Papal actions have permitted. These include: that those who have divorced and remarried can receive the Eucharist without making a firm resolution to avoid sexual relations; that God might permit or even ask someone to have sexual relations outside a valid marriage; and other connected propositions related to the Church’s teaching on marriage, grave sin and the Eucharist.

It appears that a “movement" of sorts seeking to challenge the Supreme Authority of Pope Francis has been mounting ever since a small group of Cardinals expressed their intention to issue a “formal correction" of the errors and doctrinal inconsistencies contained in Amoris Laetitia.

In addition to this latest “filial" correction, other scholars have individually asked the Pope to condemn some interpretations of Amoris Laetitia. 

Last month, a leading European theologian suggested that a Papal correction might be needed because of the Pope’s actions.

And, of course, Cardinal Burke and other Prelates have threatened to issue a formal correction before year’s end.

I have often wondered what the Great Schism and the Protestant Reformation looked like when they were actually occurring.  

How soon before the many, small contentious factions within the Church finally coalesced to bring about that fracture within the Body of Christ, the wound which continues to be the scandal of division within Christendom?

I think, in its infancy, the Great Schism and the Reformation looked like what we are seeing at this moment.

I have found myself personally and spiritually challenged by Pope Francis’ teachings as well as the moral and doctrinal implications they contain. 

Still, in conscience, I cannot separate myself from Peter whose ministry perdures in this and every Pontificate.

Where this will eventually lead me and others in relation to the Church’s ministry and history, I do not know.  

The fact is that there are serious divisions within the Church.   

Whether that will result in the Catholic faithful choosing sides or simply walking away in frustration or disgust remains to be seen.  

I still think that the conservatives are a small minority of disaffected reactionaries.  I believe the vast majority of Catholics have stopped listening to the Pope and the Bishops ever since the debacle of Humanae Vitae when Paul VI's teaching authority was so brutally attacked by very public outcries from theologians and the counsel which Confessors offered to penitents.

We need to pray for the Church, for the Holy Father and for all who believe in Christ Jesus who entrusted His Redemptive Ministry to mortal men, imperfect and sinful as we all are.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle with us the fire of Your Love!