Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary
Catholic Culture Trusted Commentary

Heresy never prospers. What's the reason?

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Aug 28, 2003

So now we have a Catholic bishop arguing that women should hear confessions.

Oh, of course he's not challenging the definitive Church teaching that women cannot be ordained as priests. And he's not suggesting that sacramental confession need not involve an ordained minister. Oh, no; nothing like that. He's just giving us a "gentle invitation to reflect." Right.

It would be refreshing if Bishop Vincent Malone could make the candid admission that he does not believe the Church's teaching regarding the ministerial priesthood or the sacraments. Failing that, it would be still more refreshing if the Holy See made that observation for him-- and took the necessary further step of relieving him from his pastoral duties.

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

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