>Sounds like apostasy to me. Do apostates get to heaven?
Well, despite official statements that require interpretation, Rome treats such as members in life and in death.
“I stand with the great majority of American bishops and bishops around the world in saying this canon was never intended to be used this way.’’ — from the thread on Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Washington archdiocese : Why I Won’t Deny Pelosi Communion (under whose jurisdiction Father Marcel Guarnizo, the priest who was suspiciously placed on administrative leave [removed from active ministry], after he denied Communion to a openly lesbian “Buddhist Catholic” woman: ostensibly not as a consequence of treatment of the lesbian). http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2247058/posts
Albany Bishop Howard Hubbard says it is “unfair and imprudent” to conclude that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his girlfriend, Sandra Lee, shouldn’t receive Communion simply because they’re living together. — from the thread Bishop: None of your business (Hubbard rejects Catholic expert’s criticism of Gov. Cuomo) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2679260/posts
Another example is Ted Kennedy, who was given Masses in his own house at the same time he impenitently promoted abortion and homosexual rights. And then was honored with a glorious funeral, in which Pres, Obama gave a eulogy, contrary to canon law., and even offered a prayer for Teddy’s soul. (http://www.canonlaw.info/blogarch09.htm)
And which body of law also forbids as his moral views were effectively a “withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff,” (Canon Law # 751)
According to Canon 1184 §, unless they gave some signs of repentance before death, the following must be deprived of ecclesiastical funerals:
1/ notorious apostates, heretics, and schismatics;
2/ those who chose the cremation of their bodies for reasons contrary to Christian faith;
3/ other manifest sinners who cannot be granted ecclesiastical funerals without public scandal of the faithful. (http://www.ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zlitur280.htm)
Kenedy’s RC funeral should have public scandal of the faithful, as there was not manifest signs of repentance before death
In a recent letter to the Pope which was read at his graveside, he insolently asserts he “never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings” of his church, and tried to be a faithful Catholic, etc.. The closest thing we get to any kind of contrition is the ambiguous, “I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path,” before he goes on to to defend his wonderful works, including universal health care. Not a word of remorse about supporting abortion or promoting homosexual rights, or indolence and a welfare state.
Nor did the pope censure him at all in his response, but “the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of wisdom, comfort and strength in the Lord.” (http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/29/ted-kennedy-to-pope-benedict-i-am-writing-with-deep-humility/)
As one in need of grace, i do not want to be hard on struggling believers, but such men as Kennedy were critically in error and unrepentant, and illustrates what Rome effectually conveys in part.
See http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2901874/posts?page=68#68 and thread for more