"Oregon recently issued an ultimatum for lay ministers and cantors that if they want to keep their volunteer jobs, they must completely accept all of the church's teachings opposing abortion, contraception, gay relationships and other issues."Peeling away the verbal ornamentation, we are left with a puzzling accusation. The diocese is seemingly requiring Catholics to accept the Church's teachings. That's no different than requiring Buddhists to believe in Buddha, Muslims to believe in the Koran, or Elvis impersonators to believe in rhinestone studded jumpsuits. A rather low bar of admission. The only problem these modern Catholics are having with it is that in certain areas they don't accept the Church's teachings, haven't for a long time, and in the free-for-all era of the past 30 years, no one thought to mention that it is indeed possible for beliefs to carry one outside the Church.
And there is also this enlightening comment:
I studied theology as part of my courses at St. Louis University. The Jesuits there taught me to have an inquiring mind on religious issues. I have my own thoughts and opinions. Does this mean I am unworthy to continue my lay ministry as a lector?Can't tell if he's being intentionally duplicitous, or if he's really that clueless.
The Church has always allowed questioning of its teachings. The problem comes when, on the basis of one's questions, one refuses to submit to the Church's authority on matters of Faith. Like the issues of "abortion, contraception, gay relationships" which so concern Mr. Kavanaugh, the question of whether or not one accepts the authority of the Magesterium is a basic teaching of the faith. Reject it, and you are not a Catholic, no matter how many other parts of Catholicism you accept.
Well said!