storm clouds over Amarillo, part II

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Sep 09, 2008

Priests for Life has finally acknowledged the news that your correspondent broke here a few weeks ago: the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life no longer exist as a canonical religious community.

After consultations with the Amarillo diocese, where the group is located, Priests for Life has announced plans to continue work exclusively as a "private association of the faithful." The group will no longer accept seminarians; those few already in training will seek affiliation with a diocese or religious order. 

A joint statement on the matter issued by Priests for Life with the Amarillo diocese commends the group's work. But in the concluding paragraph of that statement, readers might detect just a hint of the friction that led to this decision. The emphasis is mine. 

Protecting the unborn and defending the most vulnerable in our society is at the very heart of the Church's mission, and she commends PFL/Missionaries of the Gospel of Life for their many laudable contributions toward that end, while strongly encouraging them to continue to work in close relationship with the bishops in combating abortion and bringing about a culture of life.