Judgment Day, "Pastoral Correctness", and the Bp Martino Resignation

There is an excellent analysis over at CWNews which looks closely at the sudden resignation of Bp Joseph Martino of Scranton, and his auxiliary - Bp Dougherty.

This is a must read, but first, I want to raise some questions of my own. I truly don't have the answers to these questions, but I believe they ought to be discussed:

If the Fathers of the Church were living today, would the bishops among them be considered pastoral enough to survive their episcopacies? Would they have the support of their brother bishops?

How about the Apostles?

Still better, would Our Lord Jesus Christ be considered pastoral enough by today's standards?

While approaching things in a pastoral manner is indeed very important (I don't want to downplay that), I am wondering who will suffer more on Judgment Day: Bishops who had unshakeable zeal for truth, who were "unpastoral" in their approach, or those who were so pastoral that many of the faithful were scandalized and led into grave error and sin.

We won't even get into the subject of some bishops who have, in the name of "pastoral correctness", tolerated distortions of Catholic teaching to such a degree that it has brought about widespread dissent within their dioceses, and who remain in their posts for many years.

I can't help but wonder if there is a double standard.

Just out of interest, please feel free to add some of the most quotable-quotes from Jesus, the Apostles, or the Fathers of the Church to the combox (keep them brief for space). How about the Doctors? Are there any quotes that would be labeled "pastorally incorrect" by standards apparently in use today?

Here is that analysis: Bishop Martino's Departure - Did he jump or was he pushed? (CWNews)

Please pray for our bishops.

EDITED @11:42 Sept 2, 2009


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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton Bishops asks Catholic colleges to provide info on student health services

Bishop Joseph Martino continues to work hard at eliminating practices at Catholic institutions and events that would lead others into scandal.

We can only pray that more bishops will follow his lead. He is certainly tuned in to the kinds of things Catholics are pulling at Catholic insitutions and events, and calling people out on it.

Bishop Martino was prompted by this article in the March 25, 2009 issue of the Hawk (St. Joseph's of Philadelphia) with the title and subtitle, as follow:

Health Center provides health services while honoring Jesuit principles

Policy encourages abstinence, provides STD screenings and sexual education
presentations

This is the same college that is having pro-abort journalist, Chris Matthews of MSNBC speak at commencements. (n.b., I'm going to call it....this will be an interesting one to watch given Bishop Martino's diligence in these matters).

The March 25 article led o this press release:

Bishops Seek Information on Student Health Services at Catholic Institutions of Higher Learning


Bishop Joseph F. Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty have asked the four Catholic institutions of higher learning in the Diocese of Scranton to provide information on their student health services to have assurance that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching.

The bishops made the request in an April 1 letter to Holy Cross Father Thomas J. O’Hara, president of King’s College in Wilkes-Barre; Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Anne Munley, president of Marywood University in Scranton; Michael A. MacDowell, president of Misericordia University in Dallas; and Jesuit Father Scott R. Pilarz, president of The University of Scranton.

In their letter, the bishops explain that their inquiry is prompted by a March 25 article in the student newspaper at St. Joseph University in Philadelphia. The article describes how the university, in its words, finds the “middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare.”

In that article, St. Joseph’s director of student health services says that the school’s location offers enough convenience and opportunity to encourage students to purchase condoms. She describes this as a “fortunate” situation for the students. She also discusses the use of oral contraceptives.

The Catholic Church teaches that artificial contraception is not permissible.

The St. Joseph’s director states, “It’s always a fine line between staying within the values of the University, which we completely respect, and offering services to the students. We are fortunate that there are other medical centers in the area, and that there are health care providers other than us.”

Bishop Martino and Bishop Dougherty said this position indicates little respect for Catholic moral teaching. Their letter to the four area college and university presidents states:

“Will you please send to us any documents available which will indicate policies, procedures or practices authorized by (the institution) for the provision of student health services. In addition, it is especially important that the Diocese have assurance from you that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching.

“We ask this accounting in accord with the norm of canon 810 §2, C.I.C. The canon notes the duty and right of concerned diocesan bishops to be vigilant that the principles of Catholic doctrines are faithfully observed in Catholic institutions of higher learning.”

The bishops extended gratitude to the presidents “In anticipation of your response as early as possible.”

Source: Diocese of Scranton press release - April 3, 2009

The four schools responded in a joint statement as Kathleen Gilbert at LSN reports:

Scranton Colleges Deny Distributing Contraceptives in Response to Bishops' Inquiry

By Kathleen Gilbert

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Four Scranton-area Catholic colleges have told Bishop Joseph F. Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty that their campuses do not provide contraception, after the bishops had asked the schools to provide information on their student health services to assure that they do not practice anything in violation of Catholic teaching.

A letter dated yesterday and signed by the schools' four presidents - King's College president Fr. Thomas J. O'Hara; Marywood University president Sr. Anne Munley; Misericordia president Michael A. MacDowell; and University of Scranton president Scott R. Pilarz - told the bishops that they had "independently reviewed the concerns" aired by the bishops and that "condoms are not available on our campuses and our student health services and centers do not provide oral and other forms of contraceptives."

"We are, therefore, confident in assuring you that our health centers practice in ways that respect and do not violate Catholic teaching," states the letter.

The bishops had issued the request for student health services information in an April 1 letter, requesting "any documents available which will indicate policies, procedures or practices authorized by (the institution) for the provision of student health services," as well as "assurance from you that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching."

The bishops explained that the inquiry was prompted by a March 25 article in Hawk, the student newspaper of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. The article describes how the university finds the "middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare."

"We're very fortunate that we're not in a very rural pocket, we're right here on City Avenue," director of student health Laura Hirst told the newspaper. "Students can just walk to Rite Aid to get condoms, so they are easily accessible if they need them."

Said Hirst: "It's always a fine line between staying within the values of the University, which we completely respect, and offering services to the students. We are fortunate that there are other medical centers in the area, and that there are health care providers other than us."

While the University has a policy against sexual activity, the Hawk article says the school's Student Health Center provides STD screenings and prescribes oral contraceptives for "medical necessities," citing debilitating menstrual cramps as an example.

Bishop Martino and Bishop Dougherty said the idea that "middle ground" must be sought between Church teaching and health services indicates little respect for Catholic moral teaching.

Bishop Martino has drawn attention in recent months for firmly enjoining Misericordia University to provide an account of their fidelity to Catholic moral teaching on sexuality, after the school invited a homosexualist speaker earlier this year

UPDATE: Scripture tells us that you will know the Spirit has come to rest on you when you are persecuted.

Well, the Holy Spirit has indeed, come to rest on Bishop Martino.

If you are on Facebook, be sure to join the "I support Bishop Martino" group. There are 365 members thus far vs. some 700 who oppose him. I think the link is good, but if not, just do a search on I support Bishop Martino and you will find it. I did!

Readers of this post may also be interested in my coverage of Bishop Morlino in Madison, WI, as well

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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino to Misericordia: No Meeting Until his Request for Specific Info is Fulfilled

I have GOT to send this bishop a Mass Card with a thank you note. Perhaps you might follow my lead.

I suspected we would hear from His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton today because it coincides with the release of the diocesan newspaper which happens around every three weeks on a Wednesday/Thursday afternoon.

In this latest press release, Bishop Martino has responded to a March 3rd statement found on the website of Misericordia Univeristy in which they said, in part [my comments bracketed in red]:

Misericordia University is working diligently to schedule a meeting with the Bishop and his delegates so dialogue can be established among representatives of our founders and sponsors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and the Diocese. [Makes you wonder if a few sponsors were getting uncomfortable with the negative publicity. One parent interviewed locally said she had no idea such things were happening at the local Catholic university and was glad the bishop had brought it out in the open]

Misericordia University respects the Bishop’s position. [note the lack of a "but" here versus previous statements found in the paper which escalated the matter]. The University looks forward to resolving these concerns directly with Bishop Martino. [and if they want to resolve it they should start by respecting the office he holds and give him that for which he is asking]

Here is that statement in full [emphases mine in bold in the first portion - the rest is background info]:

Bishop Announces Position on Meeting with Misericordia University

Bishop Joseph F. Martino announced today that he will not meet with officials from Misericordia University until they comply with his request for a public release of specific information on how the institution teaches Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality, and how it is adhering to the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning.

The Bishop, in two previous statements, has asked that this information be provided to Misericordia’s alumni and the public. He has requested that the school speak precisely, naming courses, content and even catalog numbers.

The university has thus far refused to do so, instead requesting a private meeting with the Bishop.

However, the scandal that led to the Bishop’s request was a public matter. Therefore, no meeting will be held unless Misericordia complies with the request for a public release of information.

The issue arose when Misericordia’s Diversity Institute hosted two public presentations by Keith Boykin. In at least one of his talks, he discussed advocacy for issues such as same sex marriage, and he addressed the intersection of religion and sexuality. The Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexual behavior was not presented at the event.

Bishop Martino stated his “absolute disapproval” of these events because the university was providing a public platform for a proponent of morality that is “disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching.” The Bishop subsequently called on Misericordia to seriously consider dissolving the Diversity Institute.

Since Misericordia has asserted that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” Bishop Martino said it is puzzling that the school would not want to assure the public that it is teaching Catholic morality and adhering to the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. As stated in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities, these are:

1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community
as such;

2. A continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing
treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own
research;

3. Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church;

4. An institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the
human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning
to life.

Bishop Martino believes the kind of information he is seeking should be easy to compile and readily available.

Bishop Martino also explained his obligation to address these matters. A local bishop does not merely have a “personal position” (i.e., one which is no more valid than anyone else’s position) about the “Catholic identity” of a local Catholic college. Under the Church’s Code of Canon Law, the Bishop has a “responsibility” to evaluate and judge how all Catholic institutions in his diocese are upholding the principles of authentic Catholic identity.

In particular, it is his responsibility to ensure that institutions of higher learning which desire to call themselves Catholic are zealous in teaching Catholic faith and morals.


Source at Diocese of Scranton

EDIT 3-19-2009: The Times-Leader in Scranton has releaed an article. The comments flowing in from ordinary people reveal the kind of persecution this shepherd is getting for doing his job. Do visit the Times-Leader and add your thoughts. Up until now, people are hearing only one side of the comment-sphere.

Here is the Citizen's Voice with a brief note, and many negative comments about Bishop Martino if you would like to chime in.

Past Coverage of Bishop Martino's actions in Scranton on Te Deum:

• Bishop Martino breaks media silence...
• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino breaks media silence...

Bishop Martino broke his silence with local television station there in Scranton, WYOU and offered a small statement following a Mass for people with physical and mental disabilities. He did not discuss the issue with Senator Casey or Misericordia University. However, he made an important point in this short clip.

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

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Stupid MSM interview about Bishop Martino vs. Misericordia University

EDIT: Title correction (MSM was MSNBC - it appears to be originating from a mainstream CBS affiliate and MSNBC carried the story and a link to the video at the bottom).

I don't rant often, but this one got under my skin because it was utterly ridiculous.

Ask yourself this as you read my post and watch the video:

Should the mainstream media ask a panel of vegetarians to come in and comment on the best ways to cook different cuts of beef?

That is precisely what the secular media is doing in this video and in others I've seen on Catholic matters.

If you have been following my posts on all that is going on in Scranton, perhaps you might find it fitting to send His Excellency a Mass card. He needs the graces and would probably find such support comforting.

I suspect Bishop Martino does not concern himself with what the media thinks. It's a good thing because it doesn't make sense to cater to folks who not only do not understand the Catholic faith, but want to attack it. For 2000 years the Catholic Church has stood the test of time and has been clear and consistent. She has not given in to every wind of doctrine, nor has she changed with the times. Why? Because, "Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever" and the Church will not yield to all sorts of strange teachings promoted by the world.

There are many ways to distort news in order to sway public opinion. One of those ways is to have a forum with guests who all have the same mindset. Get it?

Watch this hack job of an interview about the corrections the Scranton bishop is trying to make at Misericordia University - a Catholic institution in his diocese. It is an unfortunately common occurrence in Catholic colleges that goes unchallenged in many dioceses - having speakers who promote that which is contrary to our faith under the guise of diversity. For the discussion they obviously sought out people who would be against the Catholic Church and Bishop Martino. Is it any wonder why he won't grant interviews?

Let's see....they had on an Episcopalian minister and the PSU Chancellor. They are qualified to speak with authority on internal Catholic matters how? What a joke! This is tabloid journalism at it's best.

Before we get to the video clip let me highlight a key point made by Bishop Martino in his press release that the secular press is either diluting or ignoring. You certainly don't hear them having reasonable dialogue on these points.

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Their views are certainly “diverse,” but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance? Or should they be allowed to make a presentation without any retort from the Catholic perspective?

Now, the video - if you can hold in your last meal through it....

Related Coverage:

• Official Press Release at Diocese of Scranton
• Fr. Z blogs Martino and Misericordia U (see his comments and the ever-active combox): Bp. Martino: “My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church”
• Bishop Martino renews critique of Misericordia's Diversity Institute (Catholic Culture)

Previous Posts on Bishop Martino:

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  
  The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton's Bishop Martino Speaks Out on Misericordia University - Again!

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so. - Bishop Joseph Martino, March 3, 2009

[UPDATED AT 9:34PM, March 4, with statement from Misericordia University, found below the bishop's statement]





The chief shepherd of the Scranton Diocese, Bishop Joseph Martino, has again fired a shot across the bow of Misericordia University where a gay marriage activist, Keith Boykin, spoke at the invitation of the school's "Diversity Institute".

It's interesting to review the actual press release, uploaded sometime late yesterday, and what the secular press is sharing with it's readers. I'll highlight an example below Bishop Martino's statement.

As always: Empahses in bold mine; comments bracketed in red, I call extra attention to one paragraph in blue.

Bishop Issues Reflection on Teaching of Diversity and Tolerance


Bishop Joseph F. Martino has issued a reflection on how the teaching of diversity and tolerance relates to the teaching of the Catholic Church. The reflection follows:

A substantial amount of media coverage and public commentary ensued after I asked Misericordia University to seriously consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute. Students and others in the community related how this Institute has furthered the advancement of tolerance, understanding and harmony between people of different races and cultures.

These are all worthy goals. All people of good will should work toward these ends.

Misericordia University, as a Catholic institution, has a responsibility for helping the community achieve these goals. However, precisely because it is a Catholic institution, it also has a responsibility to transmit Catholic teaching to its students in ways that are not ambiguous or confusing.

As I said in my previous statement, students should learn respect for all races and cultures, but viewpoints that are in direct opposition to Catholic teaching should not be presented under the guise of “diversity.” [great way to explain it]. Doing so within a formal structure sanctioned by the institution gives the impression that these viewpoints are acceptable, or that all morality is relative. [Bingo! And, it is scandal when otherwise ignorant or uncatechized people accept it as good and true since it is coming from an institute of higher learning with the name "Catholic" attached to it!]

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Their views are certainly “diverse,” but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance? Or should they be allowed to make a presentation without any retort from the Catholic perspective?

As Catholics, we believe there is an objective, moral Truth – given to us by Jesus Christ. This Truth is timeless, and it cannot be altered by the shifting tides of popular culture [Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever]. If our faith and our actions are not rooted in this Truth, we risk contributing to the “dictatorship of relativism” cited by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in a homily given just prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI. He said:

“To have a clear faith, according to the creed of the Church, is often labeled as fundamentalism. While relativism, that is, allowing oneself to be carried about with every wind of ‘doctrine,’ seems to be the attitude that is fashionable. A dictatorship of relativism is being constituted that recognizes nothing as absolute and which only leaves the ‘I’ and its whims as the ultimate measure.”

As the Bishop, it is not only my right, but my obligation to ensure that authentic Catholic teaching is being provided in all Catholic institutions in this Diocese, and that viewpoints in opposition to this teaching are not being presented as acceptable alternatives.

I voiced my “absolute disapproval” of Misericordia’s hosting of Keith Boykin not because of his sexual orientation, but because he is a well known proponent of morality that is disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching, such as homosexual relations and same sex marriage. Furthermore, no presentation was made to balance Mr. Boykin’s viewpoints with the teaching of the Catholic Church.

That is why I asked Misericordia, which asserted that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” to convey how it teaches Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality, and to produce concrete evidence. It is regrettable that the University chose to respond with a brief statement without any such evidence.

Nevertheless, I continue to urge Misericordia University to fulfill the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. As I pointed out in briefer form in my initial statement on this matter, these are:

1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such;

2. A continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own research;

3. Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church;

4. An institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life.

(Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution on Catholic
Universities)

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so.

Ok, now re-highlighting that paragraph in blue, that was so compelling and clear, lets pull it out again so we can compare it to an article that appeared in the Northern, Pennsylvania Times-Leader today. Here is Bishop Martino again...

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Ok, now what did the Times-Leader convey to people? (don't blink)

Martino offered hypothetical situations in which the institute brings in speakers who say the Holocaust is myth or slavery is OK, then asked, “Their views are certainly ‘diverse,’ but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance?

Yeah, thanks. That really explains it. Sorry if I don't see the same impact. Hopefully, those in the area will consult the diocesan website for the bishop's full statement.

MISERICORDIA RESPONDS:

Misericordia University statement
03-3-09

Misericordia University releases the following statement in response to Bishop Martino's comments on Tuesday, March 3:

Misericordia University is working diligently to schedule a meeting with the Bishop and his delegates so dialogue can be established among representatives of our founders and sponsors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and the Diocese. [wouldn't you love to be a fly on that wall. Hey - I could handle being a dust mite for a few hours]

Misericordia University respects the Bishop’s position. [Notice the lack of a "but" here. It ends with a period]. The University looks forward to resolving these concerns directly with Bishop Martino. [In other words, they have learned reasonably well that it is not a good idea to answer him through a local newspaper]

[Here comes the damage control] Founded and Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 31 academic majors on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.

In all seriousness, pray for the archbishop in his efforts to correct the situation there. Let's hope other bishops follow his lead. If the head honchos at Misericordia have an ounce of smarts, they will tell the press, "no comment" and take it offline with him.

Links and related posts (watch for additional links with more coverage)

• Stupid MSNBC interview about Bishop Martino vs. Misericordia University
• Official Press Release at Diocese of Scranton
• Fr. Z blogs Martino and Misericordia U (see his comments and the ever-active combox): Bp. Martino: “My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church”
• Bishop Martino renews critique of Misericordia's Diversity Institute (Catholic Culture)

Previous Posts on Bishop Martino:

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media

Above is an interesting video to watch from a local news station there in Scranton, PA. Note the slant making it look like Bishop Martino is "attacking". At the end, the reporter indicates that Bishop Martino did not return their calls or declined to be interviewed.

Bishop Martino does not grant many interviews, even with reputable Catholic media sources. He did grant one to Raymond Arroyo of EWTN during the Bishops conference in November, but that's the last that I recall. He seems to communicate exclusively through press releases.

I think this is actually prudent given the secular media's propensity for selectively picking out a good sounbite in such a way as to throw something out of context. Think about it.....by just making statements through his website in the form of press releases, it is there for all to see. However, if he grants an interview to a loyal Catholic media outlet, the secular press will pick and choose from that as well. No matter how you slice it, by just offering press releases while he is in the midst of a very tough series of battles in Scranton, it's that much more difficult to distort his words.

I also think there is reluctance to speak about an individual on the receiving end of ecclesiastical discipline as it is ongoing. This goes to the dignity of the person even if you don't think he is entitled to it.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Senator Casey's Spokesman: Vote against Martinez Amendment did not conflict with pro-life views

This is the first response we are seeing out of Senator Robert Casey Jr.'s office since Bishop Martino published his second open letter to the politician on February 26th.

(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Robert Casey Jr.’s office told CNSNews.com on Monday that the Pennsylvania Democrat’s vote against an amendment that would have revived the Mexico City Policy did not conflict with his pro-life views.

[snip]

Casey campaigned in 2006 as a pro-life Democrat. His father, Gov. Robert Casey, was well known for breaking with the party over the
abortion issue and was publicly shunned by the national Democratic Party.

Casey’s vote against extending the Mexico City policy is not in contradiction to his Catholic or pro-life principles, said Smar [Larry Smar is Casey's spokesman].

“In accordance with his pro-life views, Senator Casey voted recently to rescind Mexico City Policy, thus allowing U.S. funding of family planning services to international aid organizations,” Smar told CNSNews.com.

[snip]

Smar said the vote was for family planning services abroad, not abortion.

But the diocese letter to Casey last week charged that Casey’s office “continually misrepresented” the vote. “The Mexico City Policy is, first and foremost, about abortion, not about family planning,” Bishop Martino wrote.

Stay tuned....and don't forget to pray for the conversion of Catholic politicians.

While you are at it, pray for our bishops. As interesting as it all is to read, this is a very heavy cross for any bishop to carry.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion

Two key items showed up on the Diocese of Scranton's 2009 page for Press Releases, both with today's date of February 26, 2009: 1) A 2nd letter sent to Senator Bob Casey from Bishop Martino and, 2) An Official Notice on worthy reception of Holy Communion which states that all ministers, ordinary and extraordinary, are to deny Communion to those whose worthiness to receive Holy Communion is publicly known.

In a followup to a letter sent to Senator Bob Casey back in late January, Scranton's chief shepherd, Bishop Martino has called on the politician, again, to rescind his vote.

In the first letter, the bishop said:

“Your failure to reverse this vote will regrettably mean that you persist formally in cooperating with the evil brought about by this hideous and unnecessary policy,”

Some have wondered whether an excommunication announcement is forthcoming (bishops don't necessarily excommunicate people, they just let them know that they've excommunicated themselves by their actions).

Today, another letter to the Catholic senator has appeared on the diocesan website, as follows (emphases mine in bold'comments bracketed in red):

The following letter has been sent to Sen. Bob Casey:

Dear Senator Casey,

It is a matter of deep concern that your recent vote against the Mexico City Policy [this was actually a vote against the recent Martinez Amendment, but ultimately against the Mexico City Policy, but the MCP is indeed being misrepresented....read on] is continually misrepresented by your staff as a pro-life vote intended to promote “contraception and other family planning that avoid unintended pregnancies” (Times-Tribune, February 6, 2009).

The Mexico City Policy is, first and foremost, about abortion, not about family planning. First put in place in 1984, the policy required all non-governmental organizations that receive federal funding to refrain from performing or promoting abortion services abroad. The policy required such organizations to agree as a condition for receiving U.S. foreign aid dollars that they would “neither perform nor actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations.” The policy included exceptions for abortions done in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening conditions.

Furthermore, the Mexico City Policy did not take funds away from family planning; its effect is quite the opposite. Tom McCluskey of the Family Research Council reported the following: “. . .The Mexico City policy halts U.S. family planning funds from going to foreign . . . [NGOs] that perform abortions or ‘actively promote’ abortion as a method of family planning in other countries. . . The effect of President Obama rescinding the Mexico City Policy is that now millions ($461 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008) of dollars are taken away from family planning groups that do not promote abortions, and delivered into the hands of organizations that are the most militant in promoting abortion as a population-control method—especially in countries that find abortion objectionable on moral grounds” (my emphasis). Contrary to the claims of your staff, the absence of “Mexico City” regulations insures (1) that money is taken away from family planning, (2) that abortion is promoted as a method of family planning, and (3) that countries that have moral and cultural objections to abortion are encouraged to abandon their policies against it.

Finally, it is never permissible to use immoral means such as artificial contraception to achieve a good end, namely, the reduction of unplanned pregnancies. In fact, the mistaken view that artificial contraception may be used to regulate population growth and the size of families has led to countless evils in America and abroad, including the attitude that having and raising children is a burden to be avoided. This attitude has contributed mightily to the acceptability of abortion as a means of contraception both at home and abroad.

My letter of January 30 urging you to rescind your vote on the Mexico City Policy was in no way mistaken regarding the nature and the effect of President Obama’s order to rescind America’s long-standing policy to avoid using U.S. tax dollars to support organizations that promote abortion abroad. It is imperative that this fact be made known to the public.

It is also imperative that there be utter clarity when it comes to the teaching of the Church on matters that pertain to the taking of innocent life and the special responsibilities that fall to you, Senator, as a lawmaker to oppose abortion and other clear evils.

In closing, I refer you to the words of Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to President Obama urging him to retain the Mexico City Policy.

The Mexico City Policy . . . has wrongly been attacked as a restriction on foreign aid for family planning. In fact, it has not reduced such aid at all, but has ensured that family planning funds are not diverted to organizations dedicated to performing and promoting abortions instead of reducing them. Once the clear line between family planning and abortion is erased, the idea of using family planning to reduce abortions becomes meaningless, and abortion tends to replace contraception as the means for reducing family size. A shift toward promoting abortion in developing nations would also increase distrust of the United States in these nations, whose values and culture often reject abortion, at a time when we need their trust and respect (January 23, 2009).

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D.
Bishop of Scranton

At the same time, the Diocese of Scranton has issued the following. It's too long to paste in here, and is well worth reading in it's entirety (see link below), but I give you the all too relevant ending:

In 2004, the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) instructed the Bishops of the United States as follows:

Regarding the grave sin of abortion or euthanasia, when a person’s formal cooperation becomes manifest (understood, in the case of a Catholic politician, as his consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws), his Pastor should meet with him, instructing him about the Church’s teaching, informing him that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin, and warning him that he will otherwise be denied the Eucharist.

This denial, the Cardinal noted in the same instruction, “is not a sanction or a penalty. Nor is the minister of Holy of Communion passing judgment on the person’s subjective guilt, but rather is reacting to the person’s public unworthiness to receive Holy Communion due to an objective situation of sin.”[3]

Therefore, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, Bishop of Scranton, reminds all ministers of Holy Communion, ordinary and extraordinary, that:

To administer the Sacred Body and Blood of the Lord is a serious duty which they have received from the Church, and no one having accepted this responsibility has the right to ignore the Church’s law in this regard;

Those whose unworthiness to receive Holy Communion is known publicly to the Church must be refused Holy Communion in order to prevent sacrilege and to prevent the Catholic in question from committing further grave sin through unworthy reception.

James B. Earley

Chancellor

Full Text at Diocese of Scranton: OFFICIAL NOTICE: Worthiness to Receive Holy CommunionFebruary 26, 2009

Please see my post on the important need to pray for our bishops. Can you give them one hour per week - a holy hour, so that they may receive the graces they need? As interesting as it is to read about a bishop standing up to immorality, dissent and scandal, it is also a very heavy cross for them to carry. Help them to carry the cross through prayer, fasting, reparation, and adoration.

EDIT: Some have looked for an email address to send support to Bishop Martino. There is no email listed for the Diocese of Scranton. However, I suggest sending snail mail to the following address. A letter of support is good. A letter of support, with a spiritual bouquet is even better. Don't rule out a Mass card.

Diocese of Scranton
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503

More coverage from other sources:

• Bishop Martino Again Rebukes Sen. Casey, Instructs Withholding of Communion from Pro-Abort Politicians (LifeSiteNews)
• Scranton's Bishop Martino orders priests: no Communion for public sinners (CWNews)
• Bishop Martino again chastises Senator Casey (CWNews)
• Bishop, politician contribute to holy war of words (Times Leader)
  

More on Bishop Martino and the Diocese of Scranton in the news:

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"


• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade


• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...


• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?


• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia


• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate


• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil


• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights


• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"


• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  

Oh, heck....just click the Bp Martino label

Edited for clarity on Febuary 27th at 5:32am
Edited to add Martinez Amendment link and related comment
Edited at 6:00am to add Scranton Diocese address
Edited at 8:20pm to add news links

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"

Oh boy! The Times-Leader in Pennsylvania had to round up a bunch of students since they weren't consulted by Bishop Martino. Surprise! They disagree with him.


That Catholics would essentially thumb their noses at the local bishop when he clarifies Catholic teaching on faith and morals is manifest need for a more remedial kind of remedy. Perhaps Misericordia could make this the text for a required class for students and faculty, based on the same name. They might want to pay particular attention to Part 1, Chapter 1 (What it means to be Catholic) and chapter 2 (Who's who in the Catholic Church). The section on bishops and archbishops is on page 36.

---

Original Post

File Photo from the Scranton Times-Tribune

Rock on God bless you, Bishop Martino!

One thing is for certain. His Excellency is persistant and is ensuring that scandal is not happening in his diocese without a clear understanding of the Church's position. Keep in mind, there is only so much a bishop can do with Catholic institutes of higher education when they stray.

I've been making posts weekly about the actions of Bishop Martino in Scranton, PA. This is the same bishop who stood up at the USCCB's November meeting and told his brother bishops that they would one day have to account for their "collective reticence to speak to Catholic politicians who are not just reluctant, but stridently anti-life." .

Bishop Martino takes the matter of scandal very seriously. There is nothing going on at Misericordia University that is not going on at countless other institutions which are proving to be Catholic in name only. Some bishops have chosen to try to change the situation at local colleges through discrete dialogue, I'm sure with the best of intentions. However, it is a very public thing when a Catholic institution invites speakers who will very likley promote things, in the name of diversity, that are in complete conflict with basic Catholic teaching.

Bishop Martino has spoken and acted with a candor, publicly, in ways that have had pro-lifers breathing a sigh of relief and dissident Catholics rolling their eyes (see some of my earlier posts at the bottom).

In the past week, His Excellency has been firing away at Misericordia University for bringing to the school to speak, author Keith Boykin, who is the former president of a same-sex marriage advocacy group. The schools "Diversity Institute" co-sponsored the visit. Boykin was also brought to the school before, as a visiting scholar, for a week.

Now, Bishop Martino is calling on the school to dissovle it's Diversity Institute. A February 24, 2009 press release states (emphases mine, comments bracketed in red):

Bishop Asks Misericordia To Specify How Sexuality Is Taught

In response to Misericordia University’s assertion that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” Bishop Joseph F. Martino observes that the institution should convey to its alumni, and in fact to all the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, its efforts to teach Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality.

In doing this, the Bishop believes the school should speak precisely, naming courses, content and even catalog numbers. [Good, lest more ambiguous fluff be passed off as objective, Catholic content]

Bishop Martino’s position at this time follows his “absolute disapproval” of the university’s hosting of Keith Boykin, a proponent of morality that is disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching.

Mr. Boykin made two presentations at the school on Feb. 17. In at least one of his talks, he discussed advocacy for issues such as same sex marriage, and he addressed the intersection of religion and sexuality. The Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality was not presented at the event. [If any teen, university student, faculty member, or other adult does not comprehend just how basic this is - as in 101, here is a remedy]

A statement from the Diocese issued the day before the talks noted that “Mr. Boykin has authored three books and all three have been nominated for a Lambda Literary award. Lambda is a legal advocacy effort for homosexual causes. Mr. Boykin is an avid supporter of same sex marriage and is an activist for positions disturbingly opposed to Catholic moral teaching.

“Bishop Martino wants Catholics of the Diocese of Scranton to know of his absolute disapproval of Misericordia University’s hosting Mr. Boykin. By honoring this speaker through allowing his positions, so antithetical to Catholic Church teaching, to be broadcast on its campus, the University has rejected all four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. These are: [1]its Christian inspiration, [2]its obligation to reflect on knowledge in light of the Catholic faith, [3]its fidelity to Catholic Church teaching and [4] its commitment to serve the people of God.

“The faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, the Bishop observed, should be in no doubt that Misericordia University in this instance is seriously failing in maintaining its Catholic identity.”

Misericordia responded with a statement saying it understood the Bishop’s criticism, but “Mr. Boykin’s appearance . . . is not meant to be a forum for advocacy on any singular issue.” The statement also said the University “welcomes legitimate scholarly discussion among its students, faculty, staff and guests from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.”

The statement also said that “Misericordia University is committed deeply to its Catholic mission.” [Do they understand the Catholic mission?!?!?]

Regarding the request for specific information from Misericordia, Bishop Martino said that students attending a Catholic institution should have a clear understanding that while all persons should be treated with dignity, homosexual activity is not condoned by the Church and should never be construed as acceptable behavior. [This is always a red-herring that Catholic dissidents try to paint this as discriminatory or uncharitable. They confuse the two issues. The Church does not hate people with SSA. She does not try to "enforce" laws made up out of thin air. Nor are these laws made up by the Pope in such a way as to change with wind direction. The Ten Commandments are clear about fornication and adultery. Christ came to fulfil the law, not abolish it so the Ten Commandments are not the 10 Suggestions. Whether one is of homosexual or heterosexual orientation, all who are not bound in sacramental marriage must observe chastity. Furthermore, Vatican II did not do away with the Old Testament, or the New Testament, or the council of Trent for that matter].

Bishop Martino is also asking Misericordia to seriously consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute, which co-sponsored Mr. Boykin’s appearance. He had previously served for a week as a visiting scholar with the Institute.

The Bishop’s rationale is that students should learn respect for all races and cultures, but that viewpoints that are in direct opposition to Catholic teaching should not be presented under the guise of “diversity.” [You gotta love this bishop]. Doing so within a formal structure sanctioned by the institution gives the impression that these viewpoints are acceptable, or that all morality is relative. [and, creates grave scandal among those so poorly catechized they don't even know what it all means].

Keep an eye on this press release page at the Diocese of Scranton.

Hat tip to LifeSiteNews: Bishop Martino Calls for Dissolution of Misericordia U's Homosexualist "Diversity" Institute

Previous posts on Bishop Martino:

• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade


• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...


• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?


• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia


• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate


• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil


• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights


• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"


• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  

Oh, heck....just click the Bp Martino label

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton, PA has been in the news alot. Here is one news clip.



Click the Bp Martino label below to read about some of the actions taking place in the Diocese of Scranton in recent months.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...

Bishop Martino has been acting decisively like a bishop who understands he is accountable for scandal created in his diocese and he is not going to sit back quietly.

From the Scranton Times-Tribune

In a letter to the heads of three local Irish-American organizations, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton has threatened to close St. Peter’s Cathedral during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations if the groups feature elected officials who support abortion rights at their annual events.

BY LAURA LEGERE
STAFF WRITER

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2009 4:11 PM EST

In a letter to the heads of three local Irish-American organizations, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton has threatened to close St. Peter’s Cathedral during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations if the groups feature elected officials who support abortion rights at their annual events.

The letter, which was signed by Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, reports that Bishop Joseph F. Martino is “determined to prevent scandal,” which would be caused if the organizations “in any way” should “honor pro-abortion officials” by giving them parade or dais positions or opportunities to speak and “the Catholic Church is seen to be involved in this honoring.”

In direct terms, the letter reiterates the bishop’s publicly stated position that elected officials who vote to support abortion rights will be denied Holy Communion if they attempt to receive the sacrament in the diocese, including at St. Patrick’s Day Masses. The closing of St. Peter’s Cathedral is offered as an additional measure to prevent the honoring of such officials.

Auxiliary Bishop Dougherty wrote that the bishop hopes the groups’ “judicious choices” about which elected officials to honor will make any actions by the bishop unnecessary, but that the letter was sent “to avoid any surprise should (Bishop Martino) be required to take action in this most serious matter.”

The morning Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral has been a traditional element of the parade day celebration for decades. An additional Mass on the feast day also is offered at the cathedral and is particularly important for the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, one of the groups the auxiliary bishop addressed.

Leaders of that group, as well as the other two Irish-American groups, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association of Lackawanna County and the Society of Irish Women, reacted to the letter with surprise, disappointment and some confusion.

Evie Rafalko McNulty, a founder of the Society of Irish Women, explained that her group is not even Catholic.

“We’re not a Christian organization. We’re not ‘saint’ anything. We’re just a group of Irish women,” she said. Her group pays $500 to help defray the cost of the Mass given at St. Peter’s Cathedral on parade day, because it was asked to help contribute.

“If he doesn’t have the Mass, then we save $500,” she said.

John Keeler, president of the Friendly Sons, said the members of his group, a 103-year-old Irish Catholic organization, were chagrined by the letter but believe they already are in compliance with it.

“The suggestion that we would at any time do anything to create a scandal to the Catholic church is somewhat disappointing, considering that most, if not all, of our members are daily communicants in the Catholic faith who live their faith and support their church to the fullest extent possible,” he said.

In particular, the group’s disappointment stems from the section of the letter that says the bishop may close the cathedral, he said, because “many of our Irish ancestors played a major role in the physical construction of churches, including the cathedral.”

Mr. Keeler, who is also a past president of the parade association, said the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are always “very much aware” of Catholic positions on political issues, like abortion, when they choose a speaker and do not plan to feature anyone this year who would be contrary to the bishop’s position. The group’s principal speaker this year will be Mark Durkan, the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in Northern Ireland.

The Society of Irish Women has not yet confirmed a speaker for its annual dinner, but Mrs. McNulty said the group has not invited anyone who has a legislative voting record on any abortion issue.

Mike Harrity, the president of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association, did not return calls for comment.

The annual St. Patrick’s Parade through downtown Scranton is one of the largest in the country, and the dinners hosted by the Friendly Sons and the Society of Irish Women often have featured prominent national and international figures. Last year, President Barack Obama, then a senator, spoke at the Irish Women’s dinner; Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern spoke at the Friendly Sons’ dinner and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, then a senator, marched in the parade.

Although bishops of the diocese have historically attended the Friendly Sons’ dinner, Bishop Martino has never participated.

Bishop’s long fight

■ April 11, 2004: Bishop Martino says in an interview that he would “very, very seriously consider” denying Holy Communion to politicians who have supported abortion rights.

■ Sept. 29: The Catholic Light prints a statement by Bishop Martino: “A Catholic would be unworthy to receive Holy Communion if he or she were deliberately to vote for a candidate precisely because of that candidate’s permissive stand on abortion.”

■ Sept. 15, 2005: The bishop issues a pastoral letter: “I will not tolerate any politician who claims to be a faithful Catholic who is not genuinely pro-life.”

■ Sept. 30, 2008: Bishop Martino issues a pastoral letter to be in read at Masses telling Catholic voters that no other voting issue but euthanasia and embryonic stem-cell research are as morally grave as abortion.

■ Oct. 19: Bishop Martino arrives unannounced at a voters’ forum in a Honesdale church and chastises the group for discussing excerpts from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ position on voting issues. The document defines abortion and euthanasia, as well as racism, torture and genocide, as among the most important issues.

PDF of Actual Letter

Recent Posts on Te Deum Laudamus involving Bishop Martino:

• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  
  Te Deum Laudamus! Home
  
  

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?

Every now and then a comment drops into a combox that warrants a closer look. Since the post in question is not getting as much traffic as it was a few days ago, I thought I would draw your attention to it here. It comes from a woman named Leah in my post:

It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
I'll accept comments to this post here, but I will only publish those made with the utmost of charity.

My response will come in between each paragraph. Leah says...

As a Catholic and as a student of Misericordia University, I was appalled by what the Bishop said about the school which has been so a part of my life for the past 10 years. My mother has worked at the institution and I am currently attending the university.

Leah, I'm glad that you take pride in your Catholic university. Let's look closer at some things...

What exactly did Bishop Martino say about Misericordia? Here is what he said:

“The faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, the Bishop observed, should be in no doubt that Misericordia University in this instance is seriously failing in maintaining its Catholic identity.”

Why is it seriously failing in "this instance" in it's Catholic identity?

Because it has invited a speaker who is a proponent of gay "marriage". By virtue of having a speaker at a Catholic institution who promotes something that counters Church teaching can lead others into scandal.

What is scandal? Let's look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2284 Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense.

2285 Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. It prompted our Lord to utter this curse: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."85 Scandal is grave when given by those who by nature or office are obliged to teach and educate others. Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees on this account: he likens them to wolves in sheep's clothing.

2286 Scandal can be provoked by laws or institutions, by fashion or opinion

Now, here is something to consider with regards to scandal. If a bishop is aware of the potential for the faithful to be scandalized into thinking that, by virtue of the fact that this man is speaking on a Catholic campus, on gay marriage, and the bishop says nothing, does he not participate in that scandal through omission?

Similarly, is not reasonable to assume that if Mr. Boykin is advancing gay marriage on a regular basis off campus, that he might promote it at Misericordia? I think it is a very reasonable assumption on the part of Bishop Martino.

Leah continues...

I wonder how many people who are commenting on this speech, actually attended it, to see for themselves what the Bishop so disapproved of. I believe when Misericordia said in their statement, "Mr. Boykin’s speech is not meant to be a forum for advocacy on any single issue," was that despite him being a homosexual, his speech was not focused on his homosexuality, or in fact, any homosexuality at all.

The 8 o'clock talk did not even mention homosexuality besides in a laundry list of groups who are discriminated against and in a question that was asked of Mr. Boykin, uninitiated. His speech was on the Obama campaign and spoke a message of perseverance and hope.

Perhaps the 8:00 talk did not mention it, but according to that video news report I provided the other day, Boykin included discussion of gay marriage (at least at the first talk). That is a secular press source.

Secondly, it doesn't matter if the talk was not a forum on any single issue. If advocacy of gay marriage was one among many topics, then that is a problem on a Catholic campus.

By no means should a professional and scholar be singled out by his sexual orientation for any reason. Knowledge is knowledge, and to censor that would be a sin in itself. If we were to go back and take away any knowledge that we gained from homosexuals, we could not be learning about the man who painted the Sistine Chapel or any of the great musical compositions of Tchaikovsky.

The Catholic Church does not condemn or single out people because of their homosexual orientation. In fact, there is an apostolate approved by the Catholic Church called Courage and they should be welcomed on every Catholic campus. But, I'm sure Misericordia and other universities which solicit talks by people known for advancing gay marriage won't be inviting Courage to give a talk and start a chapter at the school. That is because Courage helps people with same sex attraction (SSA) to live chaste lives. This is unpopular because it is counter-cultural, yet it is just this counter-cultural life that all single people must live (remember, the road is narrow and difficult, not broad and easy). I'm certain Bishop Martino would approve of a member of Courage with SSA coming to Misericordia to talk. Just ask him. Please check out Courage and ask Misericordia to invite them. I'll be glad to plug the event here on Te Deum Laudamus!

Furthermore, I am heterosexual and single. If I love God, I love his commandments and I will live a life of perfect chastity unless I enter into sacramental marriage. Those with homosexual tendencies are also called to chastity if they cannot enter sacramental marriage with a member of the opposite sex.

Keith Boykin was not singled out because of his sexual orientation. Mr. Boykin is well known for promoting gay marriage and according to that secular news source in Scranton, advanced gay marriage at Misericordia. Nothing prevents him from doing that in secular settings. It's covered under free speech. By the same standard, the Bishop not only has a right, but an obligation to speak up on matters of faith and morals. Does he not have a right to free speech, especially when it pertains to things happening on a Catholic campus in his diocese? Nothing prevents people from blowing him off, but it is totally imprudent to blow off one's bishop on such things.

Further, you bring up famous artists who were allegedly of homosexual orientation. Were they using their sexual orientation to advance their art? If it is true that these artists were homosexual, even had they been invited to speak at an event that was "not meant to be a forum for advocacy on any single issue" in their day, it most likely would not have been a problem. This is assuming that they weren't publicly advancing homosexual activity and marriage which....leads us back to that thing called scandal. There can be no scandal where there is no public knowledge of what the Church defines as immoral behavior and advocacy.

It has recently been extremely upsetting to find so many Catholics being so extremely judgmental and so extremely unchristian. With the words of Bishop Martino, I find myself ashamed of my church. Not of my faith and my religion, but of the views of my church which would so censor a school for no reason other than the personal life of the man speaking.

It is truly regrettable that Catholic teaching for the last 40 years has been so banal and misaligned that you, and many others, should have to suffer because you don't understand.

At the same time, our bishops are also suffering because people have turned a deaf ear to them. Much of this is because they are accustomed to not hearing their bishops because the bishops were not speaking. Now they are and while it is music to the ears of faithful Catholics, it is annoying to those who don't want to hear it. This does not make them mean. We have to look at what they are saying and measure it against Scripture, Tradition and Church documents, as well as the Church Fathers and Doctors.

If the bishop has the mind of the Church then it is wise to mind the bishop!

As Fr. Corapi has said, "Truth is not a something, it's a somebody and that somebody is Jesus Christ". Truth cannot change with each individual's desires any more than we can have different versions of the same Jesus. You can't have a Jesus who is for sex only inside of sacramental marriage, while at the same time having a Jesus who is for sex inside of any kind of marriage, including homosexual, polygamous, or otherwise.....or a Jesus who is for people having sex any time, any day, with anyone, or with anything. Which is of these variables is the true, objective reality? Which one matches Scripture?

Bishop Martino is right to speak out and he has done nothing unchristian. If anything, your bishop is the one you SHOULD look to on matters of faith and morals. When he speaks you ought to give pause and listen to him carefully.

The Catholic faith is not something that can be based on feelings and emotion. Our Lord simply laid out a teaching and allowed people to accept it or not. If they rejected the teaching, he did not go running after them, begging them to exercise humility, which is what He exemplified when he accepted death on a Cross.

I'm not only pround of my Catholic faith, but I'm proud of Bishop Martino for not neglecting the faithful of their right to know when there is a spiritual danger. He is responsible before God for all that he does, or does not do, to protect the faithful.

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching. (Hebrews 13: 8-9)

If anyone else wants to join in, again...please consider that not everyone has the benefit of sound catechesis. Approach it with charity and I'll post it.

Also, I may only get to publish comments later in the evening, so don't assume I'm ignoring them. I just don't have access for much of the day while I'm at work.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!