What remains is an public acknowledgment of that fact. So if a reporter asks Bishop O'Mally the right question such as, "Has John Kerry excommunicated himself according to canon law?" All the bishop has to do is answer "YES".
Correct?
Dear DestroytheDemocrats,
"Kerry is self-excommunicated": That is the opinion of the theologian who sent Mr. Balestrieri the letter. The opinion was offered because the CDF asked him to offer it in response to Mr. Balestrieri's dubia (I've honestly never heard of a layman even ASKING a dubium, no less getting a RESPONSE.).
The theologian's response certainly isn't infallible. I'm not even sure it's quite binding, as yet, since it is unofficial. But it is the most formal clear pronouncement on the subject from the Church, and as such, I suppose must stand as the most authoritative until something replaces it.
As well, the assertion, apart from whether it is asserted in a binding manner or not, is either true or not. No formal recognition will make it objectively true.
As to what Archbishop O'Malley might say, I can't even hazard a guess. I'd like to think that he'd answer, "yes."
sitetest
What remains is an public acknowledgment of that fact. So if a reporter asks Bishop O'Mally the right question such as, "Has John Kerry excommunicated himself according to canon law?" All the bishop has to do is answer "YES".
Correct?
That's how I read it. If O'Malley says ANYTHING else, he is admitting that neither he nor his predecessor ever had formal interview with Senator Kerry to apprise him of his danger. Thus, O'Malley would be publicly admitting to being in violation of canon 386 himself. I don't know if O'Malley is a canon lawyer (most bishops are), but he would be a real foolish man not to be talking to one right now.
O'Malley has GOT to be sweating bullets, hoping no one asks that question for a couple of reasons. First, the answer places him squarely against canon 386. Second, the only reason any other bishop has leeway on giving Kerry the Eucharist right now is that Kerry's own bishop hasn't publicly pronounced on the matter. Once O'Malley publicly answers that question with a "yes," EVERY OTHER BISHOP MUST DENY KERRY THE EUCHARIST.
If anyone refuses, they are now at odds with the presiding bishop and arguably in formal schism.
These next few days are absolutely ticklish for O'Malley and for Kerry's presidential bid. This is, no lie, the October surprise that kills Kerry's bid.