Archbishop Chaput answers criticism on view of Amoris Laetitia

November 17, 2016

Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia has reacted strongly to criticism by Cardinal-designate Kevin Farrell about his implementation of Amoris Laetitia.

In an interview with the Catholic News Service, Archbishop Chaput rebutted the notion that he had been hasty in issuing guidelines for the implementation of the papal document in his own archdiocese. Asked why he had issued those guidelines, he replied: “Because both the final Synod document and Pope Francis in Amoris Laetitia encouraged local bishops to do so.” He continued:

Actually you ask a a rather odd question. It’s more sensible to ask: Why would a bishop delay interpreting and applying Amoris Laetitia for the benefit of his people? On a matter as vital as sacramental marriage, hesitation and ambiguity are neither wise nor charitable.

Archbishop Chaput also disagreed with the complaint of Cardinal-designate Farrell—the prefect of the new Vatican dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life—that his guidelines had failed to take into account the special circumstances and difficulties that some married couples may face. He responded:

I wonder if Cardinal-designate Farrell actually read and understood the Philadelphia guidelines he seems to be questioning. The guidelines have a clear emphasis on mercy and compassion. This makes sense because individual circumstances are often complex. Life is messy. But mercy and compassion cannot be separated from truth and remain legitimate virtues. The Church cannot contradict or circumvent Scripture and her own magisterium without invalidating her mission. This should be obvious. The words of Jesus himself are very direct and radical on the matter of divorce.

In answer to the Vatican official’s suggestion that the US bishops’ conference should discuss a nationwide policy on implementation of Amoris Laetitia, Archbishop Chaput—who chairs a committee formed for that task—said that the panel had already solicited suggestions from bishops around the country and presented a report to the leadership of the episcopal conference.

Archbishop Chaput voiced some dismay, however, that Archbishop Farrell had suggested that individual diocesan bishops should not issue their own guidelines. The national episcopal conference has no authority over a diocesan bishop, he pointed out. He went on: “As a former resident bishop, the cardinal-designate surely knows this, which makes his comments all the more puzzling in the light of our commitment to fraternal collegiality.”

The full text of Archbishop Chaput’s interview with Catholic News Service was immediately made public by the Philadelphia archdiocese.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Philly archdiocese releases full text of Archbishop Chaput's interview with CNS (CNA)
• Vatican official regrets Archbishop Chaput’s interpretation of Amoris Laetitia (CWN, 11/17)