No Way New Ways...
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Just before 4pm Eastern (on Friday February 5), a "clarification" emerged from the USCCB President, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, on the ecclesial standing of New Ways Ministry, the "gay-positive" outreach for Catholic gays and lesbians whose founders were sanctioned by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1999 and barred from further ministry to the community. "New Ways Ministry has no approval or recognition from the Catholic Church and they cannot speak on behalf of the Catholic faithful in the United States." - George on New Ways
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New Ways said "who cares" and were a tad upset because they felt snubbed by the Cardinal: "We are astonished that Cardinal George released such a statement, since New Ways Ministry has never been contacted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to discuss the nature of our work. We were not even extended the basic courtesy of being informed of the statement as it was being released to the press. Instead, we learned about it only by reading a press account." - New Ways to George
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A little bit of Catholic teaching repeated.
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New Ways is not being entirely honest of course - the group has been condemned since the '80's for not adhering to Roman Catholic teaching regarding homosexual activity. As the posts cited above explain, Sr. Gramick and Fr. Nugent were forbidden by the Archdiocese of Washington to continue their activities there, while their respective superiors forced them to separate from New Ways completely. Later, the CDF prohibited the couple from having anything to do with the organization and/or directing homosexual persons. (I think they ignored the prohibitions however.) Nevertheless, New Ways persists with the propaganda, trying to convince the faithful otherwise, while attempting to wear down the bishops.
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At any rate, the Cardinal was obliged to clarify the (non-Catholic) status of New Ways Ministry since the organization has come out so strongly condemning the USCCB's defense of traditional marriage. New Ways, claiming to be an approved Catholic ministry, has been actively campaigning for Catholic votes in support of legal recognition for same-sex marriage. Church leaders have to make such clarifications.
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Photo: I know, it should have been the Cardinal, but I chose this photo of Sr. Jeannine Gramick, the founder of New Ways Ministry instead. I know!
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Thanks to Whispers in the Loggia for the story.
New Ways Ministry is a "sinking ship"...the Cardinal was only doing what is proper and right.
ReplyDeleteUpholding and encouraging same sex relations and relationships does not do anyone any spiritual good. How could they speak in the name of the Church?
This is a very complex, sad, difficult issue; men and women of same sex attraction need love, affirmation, and assistance.
But to condone and encourage something that is not going to help them and that is seriously sinful is just irresponsible and an injustice to them.
Contrary to the view of the New Ways Ministry.
"Re-inventing" Saint Paul (per your previous post) is not going to do it.
We all have wounds, struggles, sin, sorrow, failure...but unless we embrace the Cross with Jesus Crucified, we are all doomed.
It's just that simple.
The Cross is the only answer; not justification or approval of something that does not bring life.
I am in your Amen corner, Padre. They had the audacity to voice outrage over not having been give the "courtesy" of being notified prior to the statement. They have demnstrated no courtesy for the Holy Mother Church. They have been obsurate in their denial of Church teaching over a period of decades. At times, I wish these people would just be honest with themselves and admit: we do NOT believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and kindly leave.
ReplyDeleteWhy are two archdiocese of Baltimore priests—Fr. Paul K. Thomas and Fr. Joseph Muth—and a Baltimore-resident religious brother—Frank O’Donnell, SM—allowed to serve openly as board members of New Ways Ministry, an organization which openly dissents from Catholic moral teachings and seeks to convince Catholics to reject and violate these teachings? Father Thomas is, in fact, the chair of the board, and Father Muth is a current archdiocesan pastor! Just last Friday, February 5, Cardinal George publically warned that “No one should be misled by the claim that New Ways Ministry provides an authentic interpretation of Catholic teaching and an authentic Catholic pastoral practice.” It is extremely dangerous for Baltimore priests to be directly involved with this dissenting organization. What will be done to remedy this scandalous situation?
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