Saturday 18 October 2014

Pope Demotes US Cardinal


 Pope
A leading American cardinal has told the Buzz Feed website that he is to be demoted from his position running the Catholic Church justice system.

Cardinal Raymond Burke is a staunch critic of Pope Francis' moves to soften the Church's stance on homosexuality.

He is to be moved to the far less senior post of patron of the sovereign military order of Malta.
Pope Francis is leading a council in the Vatican on possible reforms to Church teaching on social issues.


A preliminary report on the initial discussions on the extraordinary Synod on the family was released on Monday.

The report, which was written by bishops, said homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer", and used more welcoming language when discussing homosexuality and its place in the Church.

Although it does not challenge the Church's stance on gay marriage, the document was praised by liberal clergymen and activists.

However, it was also criticised by more traditional and conservative Church figures who rejected it.
Cardinal Burke was among the most publicly critical of the bishops involved in the discussions.

Monday's report, issued halfway through the two-week Synod meeting, said: "Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community.

"Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?" it asked.

Last year, a survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics rejected Church teaching on issues such as sex and contraception.

In response to the survey, the Pope launched the extraordinary Synod to assemble a council of senior bishops and Church figures to debate the Church's position on certain aspects of contemporary family life which currently clash with its teaching.

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