UCA News
Contribute

Synod's Relator weighs in on remarried divorcees

Cardinal Erdö says ‘no’ to second marriages being recognized by the Church
Synod's Relator weighs in on remarried divorcees

Cardinal Peter Erdö (Photo: Vatican Insider)

Published: October 07, 2014 04:35 AM GMT
Updated: October 06, 2014 05:35 PM GMT

“Divorced and civilly remarried persons belong to the Church” but in the case “of a (consummated) sacramental marriage, after a divorce, a second marriage recognized by the Church is impossible, while the first spouse is still alive.” In any case, “what is being discussed at this synod of an intense pastoral nature are not doctrinal issues, but the practical ones  —  nevertheless inseparable from the truths of the faith.” This is how the Synod’s Relator General, Cardinal Peter Erdö – who is also President of the Hungarian Bishops’ Conference as well as President of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) presented the controversial question regarding the possibility of allowing remarried divorcees to receive communion. This is just one “among the great number of pastoral challenges keenly felt today, but it features prominently in Erdö’s speech.

During a press conference held in the Vatican Press Office following the Synod’s morning session, the Hungarian cardinal pointed out an element which is new compared to other Synods: the “Relatio Ante Disceptationem” already includes a summary of the Synod Fathers' written discourses, sent in advance to the Secretariat General of the Synod, “by the end of September”. Another thing that is new about this Synod is Francis’ decision to have the introductory report written in Italian instead of Latin. “This helped move things along quicker as, in the past, listening to Latin for an hour was not easy,” Erdö joked.

The Church must offer faithful the “truth cure”, i.e. the “crystal clear and whole truth of the Gospel” “so that it can be recognized in the present moment as a “remedy” or the many problematic, oftentimes burdensome, family situations.”

“In other words, without detracting from the truth, this must also be proposed from the perspective of those who “struggle” to recognize it as such and to live it,” Erdö stated, highlighting “the witness of many happy marriages and Christian families. These positive experiences are not to be overlooked, despite the widespread serious and irregular situations.”

 

Full Story: "Remarried divorcees belong to the Church," says Synod's Relator

Source:Vatican Insider

 

 

 

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia