Posted on 06/06/2019 7:17:37 PM PDT by marshmallow
Cardinal John Dew said the change would help combat clericalism
New Zealand Cardinal John Dew has said it is time to stop calling priests “father.” In an April newsletter, Dew said that ending the use of the title “father” could be “the beginning of the reform in the Church” in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal.
Since then, Dew told New Zealand media outlet Stuff that he would no longer like to be referred to by his title and encouraged priests to do the same.
Dew suggested that this could be one way to respond to Pope Francis’ call to combat clericalism in the Church. He said his effort “is part of a package of changing the whole clerical attitude.”
In his letter, Dew summarized three main points from an article written for La Croix International by French priest Jean-Pierre Roche titled “Stop calling me Father.”
Roche first pointed to the Gospel, in which Jesus says “And do not call anyone on earth ‘Father,’ for you have but one Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). Although Dew admits that the passage is “difficult to interpret and understand, “ he said “the meaning is clear. Jean-Pierre Roche says that to be called “Father” is to usurp the place of God.”
Second, Dew drew attention to the power dynamics of referring to priests as “father.” Dew said “It is not possible to have equal relationships between adults who are brothers and sisters if we call one of them “Father.”
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicherald.co.uk ...
Remarkable! First time I’ve heard of a Roman Catholic taking this position. I agree fully. There’s a reason Jesus specifically commanded us not to use the title “Father,” for leaders in the Church.
Will it be Ze or Zir?
It is difficult to understand. In the same passage Jesus said not to call people “teacher” too. Of course we still call our biological fathers “father,” (and teachers “teacher”) so Jesus must of been getting at using honorifics. Like the PhD who insists on always being called “Dr.” In the church we need to not elevate leaders too much.
As someone said above—it’s the insecure who insist on such honorifics/trappings.
Snort, chortle.😜
Sure there was a Church, it was called the disciples.
Besides, instructions of Jesus are for all His followers—which is the the Church.
Where 2 or more are gathered.
You're right, of course.
There can be no doubt about what Jesus meant by that: Call no one - not even your own biological father - "father."
All quite clear, isn't it?
Regards,
Jesus was talking to the Jewish people about their customs. Read the whole discourse.
Excellent source of information.
Christ founded the first Church on the apostles, the first Bishops.
This has been hashed and rehashed here for decades. I would simply call your attention to this one example from the New Testament for the fatherhood of the priesthood:
"I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:14–15)
There are others...
Good quote.
Well, just duh... Christ obviously knew what would come to pass... He did lay down the law ... but, some are just so much more holy than the rest.
Peter did say the priest/preacher class would have ‘judgment’ first... every one is going to get to account for their own deeds or lack thereof ...
Christ also warned about those coming in His name spewing deception...
Paul NEVER called himself ‘Father’ or ‘Holy Father’ to anyone. Notice Paul was specific, ‘through the gospel’... and Christ flat out said to NOT call flesh beings .. Father, as in representative of the Heavenly Father... There is a world of difference in the ‘flesh’ body, and the ‘spirit/soul body’ which is what returns to the Maker that sent them.. flesh returns to the dust from which it came. Only the Heavenly Father can eternally destroy souls.
There is not going to be any bought and paid for commission to decide doctrine when the flesh age ends. Might be/go much easier IF the many would/could get it correctly before this flesh age ends... but, prophecy declares otherwise... people got to do what people do.
“I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:14–15)
Are you claiming Paul had power and authority to change a command of Christ? To be Christian, the Words of Christ always set His standards. You think on ‘judgment’ day one will face Christ and make a justifiable claim that Christ was not clear in His command? Oh, Mary is not going to be sitting at the seat of ‘judgment.
It is not going to bode well for those, that splice and dice the WORD. John 1:1.
Christ was talking to the Jewish people about how they behaved. Read the entire section.
Seriously? If it was wrong for Jewish people it is wrong for every one. You are describing a double minded Jesus. Consider, Christ knew very well what would be done. Yet He preached His Gospel, full well knowing some would claim it did not apply to them. You will have opportunity to tell Jesus what he meant.
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.