more than a model
By Diogenes ( articles ) | Mar 14, 2008
Edward Peters, whose "In the Light of the Law" weblog regularly provides reliable and often revealing commentary on canon-law issues, says that he would like to cite Archbishop Burke's announcement as a textbook illustration of proper disciplinary action. But he can't, he explains.
Why not? Because Abp. Burke's attention to juridic details and his provisions for the pastoral care of the people entrusted to his care so exceed what the textbooks teach, that it is the textbooks that must copy from him, not him from the textbooks.
Peters urges his visitors to read the entire text of the formal excommunication decree. That's good advice. But if you're not yet ready to tackle the whole document, at least read the short commentary by Peters and see if that whets your appetite.
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Posted by: Brennan -
Oct. 20, 2009 8:17 PM ET USA
I do think the incomiong Anglicans will help out fighting the culture wars even, perhaps especially, if they are "quarantined" and have their own churches with an Anglican style liturgy. Their presence may provide a haven for those who desire a more profound liturgy and stronger catechesis. If they had been incorporated into regular parishes, paritcularly the laypeople, they may not have made any more leeway than orthodox Catholics have in trying for better liturgy and catechesis.
