Quotes and news

Cardinal José da Cruz Policarpo of Lisbon has taken a step back and reversed his original statement that there is no major theological obstacle to the ordination of women.

He now says that this is not possible, while noting that after making his earlier statement, he realised he had spoken prematurely, “not having taken into due consideration the latest declarations of the Magisterium on this subject”.

The Portuguese cardinal also said he had not intended to take a dissenting position from papal teaching on the subject, and that his “communion with the Holy Father is absolute”.

Bishops apologise and return gifts

The Catholic bishops’ conference of the Philippines has issued an apology on behalf of those bishops who accepted money and luxury vehicles from the government’s Charity Sweepstakes office.

The bishops expressed their “deep sorrow” for the problem, and said bishops who received gifts would face the legal consequences for their actions. They also announced they would return luxury vehicles they received as gifts from the government office.

The charges of corruption came at a juncture where the bishops are engaged in strong opposition to the government’s proposed family-planning and divorce legislation.

Excommunication for illicit ordination

The Vatican has excommunicated Fr Lei Shiyin after he was ordained as a bishop in China without Vatican approval. He was the Communist government candidate.

In a statement, the Congregation for Evangelisation makes it clear that even if the excommunication is eventually lifted, Shiyin will not be authorised to act as a Catholic bishop.

Chinese officials are preparing for another illicit ordination. The Vatican also said any bishops who participate in such an episcopal ordination are themselves excommunicated, unless they can demonstrate they were forced to do so.

Bishops urge lay political involvement

The bishops of Panama have issued a statement expressing concern about the absence of lay Catholics in politics and lamented the state of public life in the central American nation.

“There seems to be a real divorce between the interests of the political class and the concrete needs of the Panamanian people. …We noted with sadness and concern that the attitude of some politicians is far from what confidence and respect should inspire.

“It is necessary and essential to humanise politics and restore its ethical sense, giving primacy to human dignity, the common good, and to respect the will of voters.”

‘Call to disobedience’

A initiative of Austrian priests called the ‘Initiative of Parish Priests’, launched a ‘Call to Disobedience’ in June.

It is proposing, among other things, saying a public prayer at every Mass for Church reform; giving Communion to all who approach the altar in good faith, including divorced Catholics who remarry without an annulment; allowing women to preach at Mass; and supporting the ordination of women and married men.

Austrian bishops have not threatened disciplinary action yet. In late August or September Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna plans to meet some of the priests leaders of the initiative.

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)