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