Bp Edward Weisenberger's views are just that: the opinions of one guy, Eddie Weisenberger, no more and no less.
But when Weisenberger threatens ecclesiastic penalties for those who disagree with him, he's crossing a line. He should be publicly admonished for his abuse of episcopal authority. Policy preferences ("prudential judgments") are the laity's sphere of competence; not his.
Moral Law should be constantly reinforced, such as the exceptionless norms like "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and "Thou shalt not kill." But clerics interposing their views --- with a threat of canonical sanctions, no less! --- as if they had any authority to impose political policy, are way, way out of their league.
It's classic clericalism. and it's maddening.
P.S. Kudos to Bishops/Cardinals Gracida, Bruskewitz, and Burke, good men who know the difference between Apostolic Authority and political hot air.
Hi.
The First lady sent a scalding email to the diocese after the same pronouncement from the bishops conference in Ft. Lauderdale last week.
Deacon Wells gave her a phone call. Jonna knows him fairly well and they had a rather lively conversation.
No, we won’t be excommunicated, but the diocese knows that we back the President’s policies.
5.56mm
Tax the Church!
They make a LOAD of money helping these immigrants!
Oh, ballistic missiles. Would everyone please stop being such drama queens?
2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.
So, Bishop, what's the problem?