Interview: Feminine Diaconate: ‘Only Study, No Decisions Right Away,’ Says Archbishop Ladaria

Zenit News Agency ^ | 11/18/16 | Silvio Giamperi

[marshmallow]

Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith Reflects on Role of Ecumenism in Pope Francis’ Pontificate

The opening of the new academic year took place in the Aula Magna of the Marchigiano Theological Institute of Ancona. Archbishop Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was invited to give the inaugural address on ‘Justification through Faith in Relation to the Ecumenical Dialogue.’ Here is an interview done with him on that occasion:

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In light of Pope Francis’ recent meeting with the Lutheran world, what is at present the status quaestionis of the ecumenical relations with this reality?

Archbishop Ladaria: This event did not pretend to be decisive; nevertheless, it was a significant step in the building of the sphere of mutual understanding in the journey of Christian dialogue. It cannot be denied that it was a meeting of prophetic importance.

Did this event arouse positive reactions in the ecclesial environment that you frequent?

Archbishop Ladaria: Yes, certainly, decisively.

The Pope focused a lot on the need to stress concrete gestures to be carried out together and on the so-called “theology of life.” Can this style also infect the ecumenical field?

Archbishop Ladaria: Yes, certainly. If we go forward with this sentiment of concrete sharing, everything will be simpler. Not to show contempt for the doctrinal questions, but it is surely easier to dialogue with a friend by addressing things in a more relaxed way. All the more reason why this is the approach in treating with those with whom there have been misunderstandings.

[NYer]

Ping

[heterosupremacist]

.. One last question. We know that the Pope recently appointed the President of the Commission of Study on the Feminine Diaconate. Can this rediscovery eventually foster the ecumenical dialogue or rather hurt it? Archbishop Ladaria: In my opinion, at this moment the Pope wants to make an objective study, not to come to a decision, but to study how things were in the early times of the Church. This study doesn’t pretend to have an ecumenical scope. The desire is to give the Holy Father some elements of judgment and nothing more. The Pope has said that “this aspect should be studied, especially in the early times of the Church.” It must be a serene reflection without pressures and without the urgency to come to a decision in a short time. Rediscovery? Lord, Have Mercy...

[Bigg Red]

Prayers up for Holy Mother Church.

[cloudmountain]

http://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-role-of-deacons-in-the-catholic-church/

EXCERPT: "Permanent deacons are men ordained to an office in the Catholic Church who normally have no intention or desire of becoming priests. He can be single or married. If the latter, he must be married before being ordained a deacon. If his wife dies before him, he may be ordained a priest if the bishop permits and approves.

"Permanent deacons, especially those who are married, have secular jobs to support their families and also help the local pastor by visiting the sick, teaching the faith, counseling couples and individuals, working on parish committees and councils, and giving advice to the pastor."

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Hmmmmmm.

[FourtySeven]

Initially I agreed that this was a good idea, from a pedagogical standpoint alone. However, with the recent now public dust up between the Holy Father and some Cardinals regarding Amoris Laetitia, let's say I'm not as confident in the Holy Father's orthodoxy. It saddens me to say that, however that's where I am.

If Pope Francis wishes to be generously pedagogical in this case, why is he so tight lipped when it comes to questions about Amoris Laetitia? It's "inconsistent", at best for him.