will he stop going to Mass or will he push the point?
Posted on 07/03/2011 9:23:58 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o
A senior adviser to the Vatican, who is a theology professor in Detroit, blasted the Catholic governor of New York for his strong backing of same-sex marriage, saying that he should be punished for his "brazen" violation of Catholicism by being denied Holy Communion — a key part of the Catholic faith.
He's also calling for the Catholic Church to investigate Gov. Andrew Cuomo for violating church law, calling the politician's actions a "danger" to faithful Catholics.
Professor Edward Peters of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, a consultant to the Vatican's highest court, hopes that punishing Cuomo would "serve as an example" to other Catholic politicians and clergy across the U.S. who might be considering same-sex marriage in light of New York's approval on Friday.
"I see no way, absent a public reversal of his public conduct, that Andrew Cuomo may present himself for holy Communion," Peters wrote Sunday on his blog. And, "I see no way that a minister of holy Communion may administer the sacrament to him."
Peters, an expert on canon law, confirmed his remarks with the Free Press today. He said New York bishops should make clear publicly that Cuomo can't receive Communion because of the "danger of scandal presented to the faithful."
Peters was named last year by Pope Benedict XVI to be an adviser to the Vatican's highest judicial authority, known as Apostolic Signatura. He is not an official spokesman for the Pope, but his views are heard at high levels in the Church.
This is not the first time Peters has slammed Cuomo for violating Catholic teachings. Earlier this year, Peters said that Cuomo, who lives out of marriage with his girlfriend, Food Network celebrity Sandra Lee, should be denied Holy Communion for what he called "public concubinage."
"I am already on record as believing Cuomo ineligible for Holy Communion on the basis of his improper living arrangements with a television celebrity," Peters said.
"But in almost every relevant way, Cuomo’s protracted actions in regard to 'gay marriage' are even more brazen."
Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, refers to the wafers and wine that many Catholics consume during Mass that they believe are the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is considered an essential part of the Catholic faith.
Cuomo pushed hard to get a bill passed that would make same-sex marriage legal in New York. The state is considered by some to be the birthplace of the gay rights movement in the U.S. because of 1969 rebellions against police at Stonewall, a gay bar in New York City. Cuomo framed the issue in progressive terms, comparing it to past labor and environmental struggles. New York will soon be the largest state in the U.S. to allow same-sex marriage.
But Catholic leaders in New York had pushed back against the bill, comparing it to Communist rule. Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan wrote that "God not Albany, has settled the definition of marriage a long time ago."
The marriage of "one man, one woman, united ... has served as the very cornerstone of civilization and culture from the start," Dolan said.
"Last time I consulted an atlas, it is clear we are living in New York, in the United States of America — not in China or North Korea."
But others pointed to polls that show Catholics increasingly favor same-sex marriage. A 2010 Pew Research Center survey showed Catholics in America are more likely than not (46% to 42%) to support gay marriage. Support increases among younger generations, with 58% of Catholics 18 to 49 supporting same-sex marriage, the survey said.
But, Peters said, Catholic doctrine is clear on this issue. And Cuomo should also be investigated for his support, he said.
A spokesman for the governor could not be immediately reached today.
What punishment could Cuomo face in addition to being denied Holy Communion?
It depends, Peters said. But one possible punishment, he said, could involve a public retraction along with "some form of public, religiously oriented, action of reparation such as direct service to the poor," Peters told the Free Press
At worst, Cuomo could be excommunicated, but that would be unlikely, Peters said.
Thanks.
Nothing will come of it... they make these threats and admonishments, then quietly let it pass when the ‘offender’ steps up for Communion.
As best I can tell, Ed Peters is taken seriously by his own son, “American Papist” blogger Thomas Peters, and by nobody else.
Andy’s boinkin’ Sandra? I’m jealous!
Don’t forget Nancy Pelosi.
Consider that Cardinal Burke wanted Edward Peters appointed to the Apostolic Signatura and that is no small thing. In Rome they do see and understand the very real danger the Church faces in this country.
That is the point. There’s no reason they can’t go back and nail the old man and make sure he doesn’t end up in a Catholic cemetery. He’s 79 now and that family will be expecting the church to cough up a spot for him.
Yes, especially Nancy Pelosi!
will he stop going to Mass or will he push the point?
“A 2010 Pew Research Center survey showed Catholics in America are more likely than not (46% to 42%) to support gay marriage.”
Bishop’s fault. Despite clear teaching on the subject, lack of public discipline for public Catholics gives the impression that it must not be too big of a deal when you get right down to it. Abortion is the gavest example of this type of scandal.
Also, many have been conditioned to think that marriage comes from the state, so they accept anything the state says can possibly be a marriage, even impossibilities like “gay marriage”.
Freegards
That tells me as clearly as anything that Catholics are no longer interested in Christianity.
Barring from Communion should be the consequence, not just to "the sin" but to the very ~ public ~ nature of the defiance. If he receives Holy Communion at this point, it would constitute sacrilege both on his part, and on the part of the priest, deacon, or layperson who administers the Holy Sacrament. It is a matter of charity that Cuomo be warned that he is in the gravest possible spiritual peril. Anyone who loved him would tell him that. We owe him the truth. We owe him the love!
Cuomo...
That neither has happened yet, is horribly discouraging. The people "at the tope" (e.g. the head of the Apostolic Signature--- the equivalent of the Chsurch Supreme Court --- Cardinal REaymond Burke, are saying this "must" be done (Burke has used the word "must" --- but there's no flippin' enforcement.
The tagline applies to all the "enablers," clerical and lay:
Well, at least he won’t be stoned or beheaded. I’m glad we are so much more civilized.
Now is the time for courage and faith to act together...
Admonishment, correction and direction, and when needed ex-communication.... (aka "church discipline")
These are part and valid parcel of the apostolic role & function of pastors and overseers...
It's time to step forward boldly -- say what needs to be said...
Do what has to be done to protect the flock.
Many prayers are lifted for these leaders...
And their clearly appropriate response to Cuomo's enthusiastic advocacy and signature...
Yes- and about time.
Catholic schools and colleges share a large part of this descent into Sodom.
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