(YouTube) Blogs | Mar. 11, 2019 Influential German Activist Predicts ‘More Married Priests’ Soon Critics are concerned that October’s Amazon synod may effectively overturn the tradition of clerical celibacy in the Latin Rite Edward Pentin | http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/zdk The head of Germany’s most influential Catholic lay organization has said he foresees systemic Church reform, predicts possibly “more married priests” sometime soon, and notes a greater openness to change in the Vatican. Thomas Sternberg, president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), pointed to sexual abuse scandals, changes in sexual morality, and the participation of women in leadership positions as catalysts for change. [Emphasis added.] “Perhaps we’ll soon have more married priests,” he said. Sternberg, who visited the Vatican March 7-9, told German Catholic news agency KNA that one is “unable to escape the conclusion that we need systemic reforms” also in Rome, and he pointed to the need to deal with homosexuality “as one of the great reform issues, sexuality and sexual morality in general.” In terms of willingness to reform, Sternberg said some in the Vatican had changed their perspective. “Obviously a lot has changed,” he said, adding he felt there was a greater “openness” to discussion in Rome than two years ago. “This concerns not only the abuse issue, but also questions of ecumenism, reception of the Eucharist, and freedom of theological teaching at universities,” Sternberg said. Last year, the German bishops’ conference controversially decided to admit some Protestant spouses to Holy Communion, eventually obtaining Vatican and papal approval, despite some resistance from Vatican officials. Sternberg went on to say that the German bishops' conference could “feel encouraged” that reforms are “now really happening,” and that the “pressure of angry and disappointed” laypeople and public was “helpful.” Continuing on from Cardinal Reinhard Marx’s speech at the recent summit on clerical Church abuse in which he focused on the need to reform Church administration, the lay leader called for building a system of “administrative justice” and a “separation of powers” in the Church. He called for a strengthening of positions of leadership for women and better training of clergy, laity and others. “You have to realize that the Church needs reform in order to regain trust,” he said. Sternberg also said that all must “make clear” a “reversal is taking place” as a loss of confidence has gone to the heart of Church circles. Married Priests Soon? His prediction regarding married priests comes in the face of persistent speculation that ordination of married men of proven virtue (viri probati) will be on the agenda at the upcoming Amazonian synod on October as an answer to a shortage of priests in the region. Critics are concerned the move could then be expanded to other parts of the world, effectively overturning the tradition of clerical celibacy in the Latin Rite. One source close to the German hierarchy told the Register that, given the influence of the country’s Church, he believes Sternberg’s comments effectively seal the outcome. “After the Amazon synod, we will have married priests,” he said. The ZdK is well-known for its heterodoxy as well as its influence. [Emphasis added.] In 2015, five German bishops wrote a letter openly criticizing the organization after it called for the admittance of civilly remarried divorcees to Holy Communion, acceptance of all forms of cohabitation, the blessing of same-sex couples, and the reconsideration of the Church’s teaching on contraception.
Interesting point by Fr. Hunwicke about the validity of Pope Honorius and it's relation to today. http://liturgicalnotes.blogspot.com/2019/03/cassiciacum-2.html
It was to begin with the Church but the purification could only be expected to expose the hidden darkness everywhere: THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION ABUSE CRISIS PT. 1: SBC ABUSE SURVIVORS FACED SILENCE, BLAME AND ALIENATION Alleged victims of sexual and physical abuse in Southern Baptist Convention churches told The Daily Caller News Foundation that the ministers to whom they reported their abuse often tried to cover up their allegations, either by handling the matter internally, silencing or shaming the victims, or simply doing nothing. Both men and women who allegedly experienced abuse in the SBC claimed that their ministers acted more to protect their churches and shield them from public controversy, sometimes failing to comply with mandatory reporting laws in the effort. While SBC churches vary wildly in structure, style, and to a degree, theological focus due to an emphasis on church autonomy, similarities between abuse victims’ testimonies from different churches point to potential cultural and structural problems that enable abuse in churches throughout the denomination. The Southern Baptist Convention is the second-largest Christian denomination in the U.S., with over 47,000 churches each year sending millions of meals to disaster zones, thousands of missionaries and trained volunteers around the country and world. Despite all the good the SBC spreads globally, however, a darkness has tainted the church. Victims who said they suffered abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) say church leaders often responded with silence, shame and cover-up, compounding and enabling further abuse. An investigative report from the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-Newsrevealed 380 SBC ministers and volunteers have faced credible accusations from more than 700 victims over the past 20 years. The revelation of the scale of alleged abuse within SBC churches forced the leaders of the convention to grapple with the broken policies, beliefs and negligence that enabled the crisis, but some victims say worse than initial physical and sexual abuse they suffered were the ineffective and, at times, callous responses from their church leaders when they first told their local ministers of their plight. (RELATED: The Fall Of Southern Baptist Paige Patterson Part One: Lion Of The Convention) While churches in the SBC vary wildly in local church structure, policy and theological focus, due largely to the denomination’s belief in local church autonomy, victims who spoke with The Daily Caller News Foundation recounted SBC abuse cases from various parts of the country that stretched over decades and bore striking similarities with one another concerning their church leaders’ responses to their allegations. Those responses included outright disregard for their accusations, attempts to silence victims and conceal the cases from the rest of the congregation and a form of biblical counseling offered by church leaders with no qualifications as state-licensed counselors who, in some cases, blamed the victims for their fear and anger. MORE: https://dailycaller.com/2019/03/12/southern-baptist-abuse-victims/
And this railroading to hopefully make those in places of change disappear and/or be humiliated and disgraced. Also consider the source of this report. Here Comes Pell’s Sentencing March 12, 2019 by sd From The New York Times: MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The most senior Catholic convicted of child sex abuse was sentenced Wednesday to six years in prison for molesting two choirboys in an Australian cathedral in a crime the judge said showed “staggering arrogance.” Cardinal George Pell must serve a minimum of 3 years and 8 months before he is eligible for parole, according to the judge’s order. The five convictions against Pell carried a maximum possible sentence of 10 years each. “In my view, your conduct was permeated by staggering arrogance,” Victoria state County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd said in handing down the sentence. ................ The 77-year-old denies the allegations and will appeal his convictions in the Victoria Court of Appeal on June 5. It was not immediately clear if he will also appeal the sentence. For the first time in Pell’s many court appearances since he returned to Australia from the Vatican to face abuse charges, Pell wore an open-necked shirt without a cleric’s collar. He was also not wearing a cardinal’s gold ring, which might reflect strict rules on jewelry in the state penal system. In explaining his sentencing decision, the judge said Pell had led an “otherwise blameless life.” Kidd said he believed given Pell’s age and lack of any other criminal record, the cardinal posed no risk of re-offending. The judge also took pains to note that he was sentencing Pell for the offenses on which the cardinal had been convicted — and not for the sins of the Catholic Church. “As I directed the jury who convicted you in this trial, you are not to be made a scapegoat for any failings or perceived failings of the Catholic Church,” Kidd said. But the judge also said that Pell had abused his position of power and had shown no remorse for his crimes. Kidd described the assaults as egregious, degrading and humiliating to the victims. Pell showed no emotion during the hourlong hearing and barely moved throughout. He stood silently with his hands behind his back as the judge read his sentence. Pell signed documents that registered him for life as a serious sexual offender before he was led from the dock by four prison officers. ....... The judge said Pell’s age was a significant factor in determining his sentence. Pell suffers from hypertension that is exacerbated by stress and has a dual-chamber pacemaker, the judge said. Pell used a cane to leave the court, after having both knees surgically replaced in December. Pell’s sentencing comes on the sixth anniversary of Francis’ election as pope. Pell was in the conclave that elected him and remains eligible for any potential future conclave until age 80 or unless he is removed. Asked by a reporter outside court after the sentencing whether the case against Pell amounted to a witch hunt, his lawyer Robert Richter gave a rueful smile. “No comment — you be the judge,” Richter replied. MORE: https://apnews.com/abf7cb68a8fb4c8a849e51e6e87207b1 Prayers.
Mark Taylor recently admonished the evangelicals for trashing Catholics. He said their churches are doing the same thing but hiding it better. Lots of guilty people all through their church system.
Yes it is. And some of it frankly is quite tedious. Bernard Janzen does his best but.... I skipped about I confess. It is also badly edited but it is full of good info.
SG, I think you mentioned recently you prefer to read than listen. All of Fr. Malachi Martin's interviews with Bernard Janzen were transcribed into book form and can be found here: http://www.triumphcommunications.net/
From my limited experience I think that the difference is there is generally no central body in the protestant denominations to avail ones self to in the case of wrong doing. When a church member is accused it gets very little attention because it is usually handled within the confines of the church and their elders. It sometimes might make a local paper but even that is doubtful. Elders are tight lipped because it can put a serious dent in their numbers. I was a member of a local protestant church that went through a scandal and the congregation was essentially decimated for several years in spite of the pastor not being involved in it. AED can you remember where you heard Mark Taylor say this?
I found it AED. Sure enough he does warn all other denominations that they are about to face the same thing. I have not spent much time listening to Mark Taylor because I generally don't listen to protestants very much. He had some interesting things to say in that video.
Yes. On his Twitter feed he is being interviewed by Blessed to Teach blog guy. Also he says it in an interview with Chris McDonald. Also posted on his Twitter feed.
I do check in with him from time to time. He seems genuine and the prophecies he says he has received have been dead accurate. He is I believe genuine and devout and has suffered a lot of nasty blowback from Christians who take issue with him condemning the prosperity gospel and mega churches and accepting the 503c status from the govt. They get nasty about him.
I admire someone who has the courage to speak the truth in season and out of season. Having said all that he is a thorough going protestant with deep distrust for everything Catholic.
Yeah as all just about every protestant I have known or read their blogs or listened to. Just like I was for many years before I came to understand the truth.
Thank you Praetorian! That's wonderful. Now, I can get the books I want. On that website, this book of Malachi Martin is given the following description: Catholicism Overturned In this book, Catholicism Overturned, Vatican insider, exorcist, and best-selling author Malachi Martin renders a riveting and prophetic account of the Church's trials in modern times. Catholicism Overturned has been described as the most complete explanation available of what has happened to the Roman Catholic Church. Analyzes recent Church history, not from a secular viewpoint, but from the perspective of Our Lady's prophecies at Fatima. Provides an intriguing look at the personalities of Popes Pius XII, John XXIII, and Paul VI. Identifies a most essential ingredient of Catholicism. "And if you don't find this ingredient, you haven't got Catholicism." Illustrates how the turmoil in the Church is impacting the day-to-day life of Catholic priests and laity. Distinguishes between false and true Marian apparitions. Explains why the Mass was changed. Takes an inside look at the Vatican's key players and internal dynamics. Exposes the central goal of the modernist superforce seeking to reshape Catholicism. Examines John Paul II's unique mind set and strategy. Makes an eloquent and vigorous defence of the Papacy and the traditional Roman Catholic faith. Can someone here who has read the book tell us what he said about why the Mass was changed?
You're welcome SG I haven't read any of the books, but I know Bernard Janzen has been working for decades against the errors of Modernism.
His post on PF's 'clarification' that the variety of religions is the 'permissive' will of God, rather than His positive will, is a classic. With great irony, Fr Hunwicke proclaims that one may now shout to the rooftops that paedophilia is the 'will of God'. Of course, in doing this one will be quite prepared to clarify, if challenged, that one naturally meant His permissive will. He is a master of the reductio ad absurdum.
