(Canon Lawyer) Edward Peters on what won't, should and could happen to the LCs (full coverage)

American Papist ^ | February 4, 2009 | Thomas Peters

[NYer]

My father, canon lawyer Edward Peters, speaks about the Maciel meltdown and the future of the Legion. I'm excerpting some of the most important points. You can read the rest of his blog entry here.

• The Legion should (if it can, and I'm not sure it has the self-possession to do this) identify every official who knew of Maciel's canonical crimes or who suspected them, but did nothing (let alone cooperated with them!) and expel them under 1983 CIC 696. Canonical crimes by a number of persons might well have been committed here (see e.g. 1983 CIC 1389); these should be pursued.

It is almost impossible that Maciel acted alone, without the abetting of at least some associates.

• Everyone, within the Legion and without, who has publicly attacked the motives and/or character of Maciel's accusers and of Legion critics should, just as publicly, apologize. (Tom Hoppes, a layman who edits the Legion's National Catholic Register was the first, and so far the only, Legion official to offer any apology for the LC's treament of it's critics.)

If this were any other institution, apologies would be publicly demanded of them. This is a first step towards reconciliation, and an essential stage to begin if the public is to ever trust LC leadership again.

• the Legion could dissolve itself... the LC priests who might wish to remain together could dissolve the Legion, and reconstitute themselves as a new institute under a dramatically new form of governance (not simply with the correction of some strange points in the Legion rule as occurred under Benedict XVI) and with a substantially new charism.

This is essentially what I've spoken about in terms of "refounding" the order. Others have made the point that the way of life approved by John Paul II remains in effect. Without addressing that issue directly (I need to do more research), this seems an insuffitient solution for the enormity of the sins perpetrated by the founder, as well as the "structures of sin" he established (and others apparently participated in) which allowed his misdeeds to go undiscovered and unpunished until after his death.

• What must not happen: Any more language whatsoever from Legion leadership that tries to spin this disaster. Today's pathetic first response must not be repeated.

We'll be watching.

[NYer]

Permalink: all posts on Maciel, Legionaries on one page

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[lastchance]

Very good article. The Lord is giving the LC a wonderful opportunity to be reconciled to Him, I pray they do not squander it.

[Tax-chick]

I’m puzzled as to what authority, canonical or moral, either of the Mssrs. Peters has to make these pronouncements. The Catholic Church has an authority structure with the power to do anything necessary, and haste seems UNnecessary, since Fr. Maciel is dead.

The authorities we have aren’t perfect, but they’re a world better than a hundred-thousand “experts” independently declaring themselves In Charge.

[vladimir998]

The elder Peters is a canon lawyer - and a good one.

He also has ZERO authority in these matters. Well, maybe he can influence a few people, but most likely he can’t even influence anyone involved in this case.

[Tax-chick]

I recall that canon lawyers are what the New Testament calls “scribes.” As in, “He (Jesus) taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”

Nothing against either Mr. Peters; it’s just that Protestantism lies down that road.

[vladimir998]

Well, I wouldn’t liken canon lawyers to NT scribes, but I get your point.

In any case, it is bishops and priests who will be deciding what happens with the LoC.

[Tax-chick]

To use another NT reference, if this undertaking (the LC and its offshoots) is of God, it will perdure in spite of what seem to be very serious sins of the founder. If it is not of God, it will decline through its own failings.

Meanwhile, people who reject the whole concept of chastity for any stage of life will make hay with Fr. Maciel’s reported failings. Which is Annoying, but redounds only on them.