Posted on 11/01/2017 4:14:32 PM PDT by ebb tide
Pope Francis waves to faithful from his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia.)
A former chief of staff for the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, and a current member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission, has written Pope Francis to say that his pontificate “has given those who hold harmful theological and pastoral views the license and confidence to come into the light and expose their previously hidden darkness,” which, one day, will have to be corrected.
While expressing loyalty to Francis as the “Vicar of Christ on earth, the shepherd of his flock,” Capuchin Father Thomas Weinandy nevertheless charges that the pope is:
“In recognizing this darkness, the Church will humbly need to renew itself, and so continue to grow in holiness,” Weinandy wrote in the letter, which is dated July 31, the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the pope’s Jesuit order.
While covering some of the same ground, Weinandy distanced himself from a recent “filial correction” of Pope Francis issued by a group of scholars and theologians over what signatories described as “heretical positions” that they claimed the pope has “effectively upheld.”
Weinandy said he was not invited to sign the letter, had only “heard rumors” of it, and would not have signed if asked.
“I don’t think it was theologically helpful, or presented in an effective manner,” he said.
A 2015 image of Capuchin Father Thomas Weinandy. (Credit: Youtube capture.)
Although the concerns in Weinandy’s letter are broadly familiar, his background affords him a degree of prominence.
He served as Executive Director of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2005 until 2013. Among other things, Weinandy played a key role in a controversial March 2011 bishops’ review of Fordham theologian Elizabeth Johnson, which led to a finding that her book Quest for the Living God “does not accord with authentic Catholic teaching on essential points.”
In 2014, Weinandy was named to the International Theological Commission, the main advisory body to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, by Francis, who also gave him the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal in recognition of service to the Church in 2013.
In comments to Crux, Weinandy insisted that he did not write his letter in any official capacity, and he alone is responsible for it.
“I don’t think anyone can, or should, associate my letter with the USCCB or the American bishops,” he said. “Neither was involved in my writing the letter, and its publication will be news to them.”
After receiving a brief reply in mid-October from Italian Archbishop Angelo Becciu, the “substitute” or number two official in the Secretariat of State, dated Sept. 7 and confirming that Weinandy’s letter had been placed before the pope, Weinandy provided the text to Crux and other media outlets.
Right on the money.
The money quote (from the link provided):
I spoke for a few minutes this morning with Fr. Weinandy, and he told me that since the letter’s publication, he has received many positive and encouraging notes from theologians, priests, and lay people. However, the USCCB asked him to resign from his current position as consultant to the bishops, and he has submitted his resignation. In making such a request, the USCCB, it would appear, reinforces Fr. Weinandy’s very point about fearfulness and lack of transparency.
The USCCB is a truly worthless rabble which does nothing but grovel before the zeitgeist.
He should maybe nail something on the church door.
How can any doubt we are in end times now? That the USCCB felt compelled to FIRE this good priest for writing such a reasonable and respectful letter is evidence that what was in the letter is true: this Pope cannot bear to be challenged. The bishops obviously are afraid to be associated with anyone who would call out Frankie on the damage he is doing to the Church.
Oops, spoke too soon. I just noticed your mention that he was asked to resign and he did so.
Very sad indeed1
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.