WOMEN CAN BE PRIESTS
Theologians and the faithful have a
duty in
conscience
to voice their disagreement when the Teaching Authority
fails
There is a tendency for those in authority to imagine that they need not listen to the advice of others. This has been a frequent cause of serious mistakes in the past.
The Church has made it clear that all the faithful, and in particular theologians, have a duty to voice their objections in matters in which they have knowledge or experience.
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“Let it be
recognized that all the faithful, whether clerics or laity, possess
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“In accord with the
knowledge, competence and preeminence which they possess, the Christian
faithful have the right and even at times a duty to manifest to the sacred
pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the
Church.
Catholic Church Law,
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“Freedom of speech is a normal factor in the growth of
public opinion which expresses the ideas and reactions of the more
influential circles in a society” (§ 25). |
“The magisterium draws great benefit from critical and
industrious theological study and from the cordial collaboration of the
theologians . . . Without the help of theology the magisterium could
undoubtedly preserve and teach the faith, but it would arrive only with
difficulty at the lofty and full knowledge it needs to perform its task, since
it is aware that it is not endowed with revelation or the charism of
inspiration but only with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.” |
““Those who are engaged in the sacred disciplines enjoy a lawful freedom of inquiry and of prudently expressing their opinions on matters in which they have expertise, while observing a due respect for the magisterium of the Church.”Catholic Church Law,
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“Then what about blind obedience?!”
This website is maintained by the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research.
The Institute is known for issuing academic reports and statements on relevant issues in the Church. These have included scholars' declarations on the need of collegiality in the exercise of church authority, on the ethics of using contraceptives in marriage and the urgency of re-instating the sacramental diaconate of women.
Visit also our websites:Women Deacons, The Body is Sacred and Mystery and Beyond.
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