“It is not a theological dogma like, for example, divinity of Christ.”
Thank-you. I take it that anti-abortionism is therefore not a belief which must be held in order to attain salvation, but rather merely a disciplinary canon of some sort, though of all, the most important of them. Am I also correct in assuming that obedience to this social teaching is as important in the Latin system as obedience to a dogma established by an Ecumenical Council. Is it, in light of Martino’s ordering of importance, more important than maintaining a belief in the propriety of the veneration of icons or that Panagia is the Theotokos and not the Christotokos? What is the practical difference for a Latin between denying that Panagia is the Theotokos and taking a pro abortion stand?
Alex, I suggest that in the heretic Martino’s mind, there is a difference; namely that the social policy is more important than the dogma. There is no doubt in my mind that it is at least of equal importance to the heresiarch and his political agenda as a dogma established by an Ecumenical Council.
“So, which canon do you think bishop Martino is in violation of, teaching on sanctity of life in his own diocese?”
No canon at all. Preaching the sanctity of life in one’s own diocese isn’t a violation of anything. Raising that preaching to the level of dogma is heresy. Like I said, he should be silenced, deposed and sent to a monastery.
Absolutely it must be held. Participation in murder is a sin that cries out to heaven and damns the sinner for all eternity. The Orthodox do not think murder is sin?
Is it, in light of Martino’s ordering of importance, more important than maintaining a belief in the propriety of the veneration of icons or that Panagia is the Theotokos and not the Christotokos?
How do we know unless we ask him? The Pastoral letter that you are quoting is silent on this.