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
Thanks.
And if O'Malley did answer yes, Greely and O'Brien and a not a few other Catholics will be brought on all the shout shows. They will muddle the waters by distorting the docterine of conscience, the separation of Church and state and whatever else.
I don't know. I don't have much hope about all this. Catholic docterine is esoteric and easily misrepresented. I think there is hiding room in it for hesitant bishops.