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Contents © 2000
by Jim Holman.
All rights reserved.
LETTERS
FEBRUARY 2000
GUIMARAES GOES TOO FAR
Mr. Guimaraes' concern over the false ecumenism that Pius XII described as leading to union in a common ruin may be well founded, but his view that Vatican II teaching promotes it, is not [see "Saint Martin Luther?" January 2000 Mission]. Rightly emphasizing the Church's role in man's salvation does not entail denying one to heretical and schismatic sects. In explaining the principle, no salvation outside the Church, theology distinguishes the body of the Church, the visible community, from its soul, habitual grace, and teaches that those who are outside the body can be saved by belonging to the soul. But, as Pius XII remarks, the salvation of those who are not members of the visible community is uncertain, for they lack many of the means found only in it -- hence the great importance of converting non-Catholics.
We would, moreover, impugn God's mercy were we to think that the salvation of men who do not belong to the visible Church is of no concern to Him, and we would impugn His power and wisdom if we thought that He makes no use of heretical or schismatic sects to secure this end. Are there not validly ordained Anglican priests who truly consecrate the Eucharist? Are there not valid Anglican baptisms that confer habitual grace? Some means of salvation are present; those absent make it imperative that a high priority be given to making converts who can find in the Church the fullness of grace. A much higher priority is in order in this age since the salvation of members of those heretical or schismatic sects that have abandoned their traditional teaching to conform to the spirit of the age is in great danger. Responsible persons would naturally respond by looking elsewhere for the true Church, but discouragement and the disagreeable consequences of leaving the faith in which they were raised often create a formidable temptation not to do so.
It is unfortunate that the interview did not take up as significant an issue as Guimaraes' ascribing erroneous teachings to Vatican II. If an approved council of the Catholic Church taught false doctrine, would it not follow that this church is neither indefectible nor the true church of Christ? A loss of interest in conversions by such a church would then be cause for joy, not for dismay.
Dr. Richard George
Santa Paula
(Editor's note: The Guimaraes interview is not our last word on ecumenism. A subsequent article will address the traditional Catholic character of Vatican II's teaching on ecumenism and salvation "outside" the Church.)
PROFOUNDLY TRAGIC
Regarding your excellent article on St. Mary's Church of Hollywood (Not "No," But "Hell, No!", December 1999 Mission), I quote: "The pope said, yes ... and Mahony not only said, 'no', but, 'hell, no." Ugh.... When will our cardinal cease to be an embarassment to those he represents? A group of people, fellow believers in Jesus our Lord, were looking for a way home and instead were shown the door. How profoundly tragic!
Keep up the outstanding journalism -- your newspaper is only getting better and better! Thank you!
Frances Weaver
(received by e-mail)
CATHOLIC AND EVANGELICAL
Thank you for the article on St. Mary of the Angels. I have been there many times. I am myself one of those "continuing Anglican's," and "Catholic;" I am however not one of those who wants to go back to the "good old days." The Church was Catholic even before Rome! (And let me say I deeply respect this Pope, but still, however, think he is wrong on the continued celibate priests in the West, and locked-out divorced Catholics). We need the whole Church Catholic, even some "protestants" -- God forbid -- for those super-traditionalists! And let me add the Catholic Church is also Evangelical!
I thank God for Luther and Calvin -- men who really wanted to "reform" the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Flawed men? Yes! Prophets sent to reform the Church? You bet!
Rev. L. Robert Page, (Ret.)
Anaheim
ONE CAN ONLY WONDER
The refusal of the LA Archdiocese to permit the collection of signatures for a Parental Notification Initiative has been nothing short of pathetic.[see "Some Will, Mahony Won't", January 2000 Mission] To state that the archdiocese won't permit the gathering of signatures on Church property is ridiculous and suggests that the archdiocese needs, at the very least, a new attorney. It appears that the archdiocese also needs some backbone to teach and practice the teachings of the Faith. (When was the last time anyone heard a sermon that addressed Church teachings as they relate to what one is faced with in today's society?)
One can only wonder where the archdiocese's priorities are when, after reading (on the archdiocese's Gay and Lesbian Ministry web page) the cardinal's strong statement dated December 20, 1999 in support of understanding for the gay and lesbian community while mentioning that the California Catholic Conference supports Proposition 22 [see News, this issue]. One is struck with the fact that the cardinal in his statement does not say that he personally supports the initiative nor that he recommends a vote for the initiative. It is perhaps implicit, but is not clearly stated! Two thirds of the statement, instead, is in defense of and understanding for the gay and lesbian community. Would that the cardinal had the same strong interest in and support for all communities within the Church!
C.J. O'Connell
(received by e-mail)
GIVE THE MONEY TO MAHONY
Please take me name off the list of subscribers. I never wanted to receive your paper. It is too bad that you waste ink, time and money in such a poor publication. Advice: give this money to Cardinal Mahony; he is a good leader who is doing much good for the poor in Los Angeles.
Fr. Luis Calero, SJ
Santa Clara University
YOU KEEP ME INFORMED
I have recently come on-line. Just had to e-mail you and applaud the staff for a job well done. I have lived for years in the Los Angeles archdiocese. You keep me informed by your on target coverage. If my friend Fr. John B. McKenn were still alive, he'd say the same. Keep up the good work.
Vince Crisci Sr.
(received by e-mail)