The following request for clarification is from the International Confraternity of Catholic Clergy of the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Great Britain:
As members of the International Confraternities of Catholic Clergy, we believe there would be great value in an authoritative interpretation of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia in line with the constant teaching and practice of the Church. This statement comes in light of continuing widespread divergence of understanding and growing divisions in practice. A clarification is clearly needed to correct the misuse of the Apostolic Exhortation to undermine sacred Tradition. We, therefore, thank the four eminent Cardinals who have recently submitted their dubia to the Holy See, requesting such clarification. The Confraternities recognize that this action has been taken out of love for the Church and concern for the salvation of souls. As the Cardinals themselves have made clear, this step has been taken with deep respect for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and should not in any way be used to foster divisions in the Church. The grave danger to the unity of the Church due to increasing moral relativism must be honestly faced and clearly remedied.
As pastors of souls, we are well aware of the many challenges facing the men and women of today. We strive to help our people, often living in complex situations, to hear the call of Christ and his Gospel. This task is made easier when the Church expounds her teaching boldly and clearly. It is also essential that the Church’s discipline must always follow her dogmatic teaching. In particular, since at the present time there is much confusion, it is necessary to make clear that Holy Communion cannot be given to someone choosing to live in a sexual relationship with a person other than their validly espoused husband or wife. Those who find themselves in this situation are of course deserving of pastoral support and must be helped to play as full a part in the life of the Church as their circumstances allow. In connection with this, it is important to state that conscience is not a law unto itself replacing the holy law of God with private judgment, but rather an echo of the voice of the Creator. The dignity of conscience must be assisted to overcome all ignorance and protected from becoming ‘practically sightless as a result of habitual sin’ (Gaudium et Spes, 16).
Requesting such a clarification, which reiterates the perennial teaching of the Church, is an act of filial love by faithful sons of the Church who turn to our Supreme Shepherd seeking his paternal guidance. It is our desire that this elucidation will enable us and other Catholic priests and deacons to carry out our ministry in ways that are faithful and effective. We hope that this request for clarification may be an occasion for the Holy Father to feed and tend the flock entrusted to him by the Lord and to support us, the clergy, in doing the same.
CCC (USA)
CCC (Australia)
CCC (Great Britain)
CCC (Ireland)
From Christian Newswire.
There is no confusion. The Church’s teaching regarding divorce and remarriage has not changed. People in these situations need to avail themselves to the annulment process. Catholics in developed countries need to understand that poor Catholics living in poor countries do not have access to the resources of the Church that those living in the US and Europe have.
Hahaha, this is a knee-slapper! Do you think that Francis cares about this kind of thing, except that it shows — to his Latin American Zombie-Liberal way of thinking — who are his enemies? There will be hell to pay for the souls that signed and sent this missive.
You see, Francis, and the whole of the Z-L crowd, understand the Church like the Masons understand society. The Church exists to help man on Earth. The rest, as they say, is Medieval fantasy. Of course, consistent with his soul-mate George Soros, the Pope does see a need for some kind of “world order” but it is one wrapped up with environmentalism, socialism, and population and societal controls. The wording of Amoris Laetitia is indeed intentional, giving to each…
(Part Deux) ” . . . organization, and individual, the right of unquestioned judgment and determination. No institution can question the exercise of conscience, you see.
Well, good luck at the time of judgment. You priests that sent this will have their own judgment on Earth, soon. For others, better stick with the Gospels and with Catholic Tradition. Everything else is garbage.
St. Christopher – you are supposed to be a guide, not a jerk. Your logic..well, is illogical!
So, that way–the charity of your name-calling—you don’t have to address the points he raised, all of which are valid. Ok.
George, show exactly where St. Christopher is uninformed, ill-informed, or illogical. Short of that, suspend judgment.
St. Alphonsus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church said: “If ever a Pope, as a private person, should fall into heresy, he should at once fall from the Pontificate. If however, God were to permit a pope to become a notoriously and contumacious heretic, he would by such fact cease to be pope, and the apostolic chair would be vacant.”