Archbishop Burke laments effect of dissenting bishops, pro-abortion politicians

CWN - October 15, 2010

In an address to a Human Life International conference, Archbishop Raymond Burke, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, lamented the scandal brought about by dissenting bishops and politicians who favor abortion and same-sex marriage.

“When shepherds of the flock are obedient to the Magisterium entrusted to their exercise, then surely the numbers of the flock grow in obedience,” he said. “If the shepherd isn't obedient, the flock easily gives way to confusion and error.”

“When a person has culpably espoused and cooperated in gravely sinful acts, leading many into error and confusion over fundamental questions regarding respect for life and integrity of marriage and family, his repentance of such actions must also be public,” Archbishop Burke added, referring to Catholic politicians who support abortion and same-sex marriage.

The “perennial discipline of the Church [has] prohibited the giving of Holy Communion or the granting of a Church funeral to those who persist after admonition in the grave violation of the moral law,” he noted. “It is said that these disciplines which the Church has consistently observed down the centuries presume to pass judgment on eternal judgment of a soul, a judgment that belongs to God alone, and therefore can be abandoned.”

“On the contrary, [such] public action[s] of the soul are in violation of the moral law, and do grave harm to all who are confused and led into error by these actions.”

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($32,835 to go):
$80,000.00 $47,164.67
41% 59%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: Justin8110 - Oct. 16, 2010 9:04 AM ET USA

    It's about human respect and a lack of Faith. In todays Church many bishops are Catholic in name only and they fear pro abort politicians and the opinions of the media more than they fear the judgment of God.

  • Posted by: polish.pinecone4371 - Oct. 15, 2010 6:16 PM ET USA

    ltoscan, the reason the Pope doesn't "mandate no communion to dissenting politicians period" is because it's already mandated in the Code of Canon Law - it's called canon 915. But your last two questions are unanswerable as that has been happening in the Church from time immemorial.

  • Posted by: ltoscan2645 - Oct. 15, 2010 9:59 AM ET USA

    Archbishop Burke reminds me of John the Baptist - "a voice crying out in the wilderness" - but is anybody listening??? Why doesn't the Holy Father mandate no communion to dissenting politicians period? Why are dissenting Bishops allowed to carry on in their capacity as shepherds to their flocks? Why are those in authority not exercising it.

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Learning from the sick, and from the death of a child May 17
The case for change in Irish abortion law: based on a framework of falsehood May 17
The Smell of the Sheep May 16
Too many missing funds: Catholic institutions need tighter financial controls May 16
What capitalists should learn from the Pope's critique May 16

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Pope strongly supports call for reform in religious life CWN - May 8