Divorce and the Church (2)

I am not at all surprised that those who have long been advocating the introduction of divorce are up in arms against Mgr Anton Gouder. During the RTK programme (which I heard), he only stated what the teaching of the Church on divorce and remarriage is. The Pro-Vicar General is known for speaking clearly, without fear or favour, not least on moral issues. He is one of the few priests who do not mince their words; who do not try to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds, as unfortunately many, especially when they appear on the media, try to do.

By stating that practising Catholics are morally bound to vote against the introduction of divorce he was not in any way denying their constitutional rights or, worse, meddling in politics as some have claimed. The Church has a sacrosanct duty sanctioned by the Constitution to teach what is morally right and what is wrong. By telling the faithful what their obligations as Christians are, she is in no way interfering in politics. Members of Parliament and voters are left free to choose whether to accept the teaching of the Church and vote to their Christian belief or according to their own personal convictions. Nobody has said that those who vote in favour of divorce should be pilloried, scourged or stoned or have their arms amputated.

I am convinced that Mgr Gouder will not be deterred by those who in the name of freedom and “progress” want to stifle the Church and deny her the right and duty to convey to the faithful the message as proclaimed by her Founder who among other things unequivocally stated that marriages cannot be dissolved by man and that those who divorce and remarry would be committing adultery (Mt 19, 9-11).