Archbishop Chaput: repeated claims that no one wants to change doctrine are cause for concern
October 16, 2015
In a column that appears in the October 16 issue of the Wall Street Journal, Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia remarks that at the Synod of Bishops, the frequent insistence that no one wants to change Catholic doctrine is enough to make cautious listeners suspicious:
The more some synod fathers claim that no doctrinal change is sought on matters of divorce and remarriage—only a change in “discipline”—the more other synod fathers worry. And for good reason. Practice inevitably shapes belief.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: rjbennett1294 -
Oct. 17, 2015 10:31 AM ET USA
in this case, practice would not only shape belief, it would destroy it, just as it has destroyed belief among members of liberal, mainline Protestant denominations in America and Europe.
-
Posted by: feedback -
Oct. 16, 2015 9:33 PM ET USA
The doctrine of Faith is put in practice through discipline. Sloppy radical changes in discipline can contradict the doctrine altogether. The only time of need for change in discipline is when the doctrine is in danger of confusion.
