The Expanding Authority Position
Aug 26, 2022 12:32:51 GMT -5
Voxxkowalski, Pacelli, and 2 more like this
Post by Clotilde on Aug 26, 2022 12:32:51 GMT -5
I do not wish to single out any particular group or incident but I do wish to discuss or make note of this position (or perhaps mindset).
I have been noticing a dangerous trend among some groups of priests and bishops. This happens often when a question arises, usually regarding their role in the crisis. I see this pattern: A question comes up, “May a traditional priest or bishop do xyz in a time of crisis.” The answer is always yes. This has, in my observance, led to an ever-expanding list of powers and authority assumed by these priests and bishops.
I think that in some cases, this is an assumption of authority that the priests and bishops may not have. I am concerned as I believe that there are very few times, if any, where the final conclusion is that they do not have such authority. This could also go for laity who do things which normally require permission from the Church, as in their local bishop, canonical parish priest, or even Rome. I think some self-examination should be in order.
Often, I am surprised by the willingness to publish works without an imprimatur or alter books with an imprimatur. For priests and bishops, for them to take on roles outside of emergency roles, such as giving certain dispensations or their approval to a certain work. Secondarily, we are given the impression that if something is issued by an ordained person or has quotes from an approved book, that it is free from error or that it is Church teaching. I believe this is a mistake.
When I see someone publish something or “allow” something to take place, I never see or hear a disclaimer such as “I have no authority” or “this was written and published with full knowledge that I am not an authority and I bind no one.” Even, “I accept criticism of this work and I am willing to edit such if correction is necesssary, furthermore, I intend to submit it to my local ordinary when his seat is filled” would be nice to see.
I do not think we (as Catholics, priests included) are being truthful about our authority, nor are we honestly examining whether we should take certain actions. I do not think we are listening when others suggest that we should not or cannot lawfully take certain actions. The default is now to assume everything we do is always right and I believe this is dangerous for Catholics.
What I think is interesting is that, in some cases, some groups think only their group can take such actions. Other groups think that an action is okay because another group is doing it. Again, I am trying very hard not to be too specific so as to avoid tribalism or embarrassing anyone.
Some of the same people will tell you not to lie. Lying is a sin. Yes, absolutely, we also must not lie to or deceive ourselves, especially in these times. This includes the limits of what we may or may not do without permission from the Church.
I have been noticing a dangerous trend among some groups of priests and bishops. This happens often when a question arises, usually regarding their role in the crisis. I see this pattern: A question comes up, “May a traditional priest or bishop do xyz in a time of crisis.” The answer is always yes. This has, in my observance, led to an ever-expanding list of powers and authority assumed by these priests and bishops.
I think that in some cases, this is an assumption of authority that the priests and bishops may not have. I am concerned as I believe that there are very few times, if any, where the final conclusion is that they do not have such authority. This could also go for laity who do things which normally require permission from the Church, as in their local bishop, canonical parish priest, or even Rome. I think some self-examination should be in order.
Often, I am surprised by the willingness to publish works without an imprimatur or alter books with an imprimatur. For priests and bishops, for them to take on roles outside of emergency roles, such as giving certain dispensations or their approval to a certain work. Secondarily, we are given the impression that if something is issued by an ordained person or has quotes from an approved book, that it is free from error or that it is Church teaching. I believe this is a mistake.
When I see someone publish something or “allow” something to take place, I never see or hear a disclaimer such as “I have no authority” or “this was written and published with full knowledge that I am not an authority and I bind no one.” Even, “I accept criticism of this work and I am willing to edit such if correction is necesssary, furthermore, I intend to submit it to my local ordinary when his seat is filled” would be nice to see.
I do not think we (as Catholics, priests included) are being truthful about our authority, nor are we honestly examining whether we should take certain actions. I do not think we are listening when others suggest that we should not or cannot lawfully take certain actions. The default is now to assume everything we do is always right and I believe this is dangerous for Catholics.
What I think is interesting is that, in some cases, some groups think only their group can take such actions. Other groups think that an action is okay because another group is doing it. Again, I am trying very hard not to be too specific so as to avoid tribalism or embarrassing anyone.
Some of the same people will tell you not to lie. Lying is a sin. Yes, absolutely, we also must not lie to or deceive ourselves, especially in these times. This includes the limits of what we may or may not do without permission from the Church.