Nix's website contains numerous postings on his travels, reflections on liturgy, and other Church related matters. I would also like to note that my signature on the Open Letter in no way is a call against the synodal process so desired by the Holy Father. Archbishop Aquila: As the Holy Fathers postponement of the synod on synodality until 2023 to allow for a lengthier preparatory period makes clear, the question of synodality is a very important one for the Universal Church. And their seriousness flows from the confusion that the Synodal Path has already caused and continues to cause, and the potential for schism in the life of the Church that will inevitably result. Archbishop Alexander Sample (Portland in Oregon, USA) We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. The letter is not about the behind-the-scenes dimensions of the process in Germany, about which most Americans know little, but about the content of the published Fundamental Text, which seems in places impossible to reconcile with the deposit of faith that bishops are to safeguard. Coherence between our faith and our life, between our words and our actions: Gospel, Crucifix, Witness. We would do well to heed the Holy Fathers words! More recently, Aquila was among the drafters of an April 11 open letter that warned the synodal path may lead to schism. Its understandable and inevitable for some people to react that way. This is why I agreed to be a signatory of the Open Letter. Archbishop Cordileone Supports Archbishop Aquila's Call for Repentance David is married to Jenny Uebbing, author of CNA's Mama Needs Coffee. The synodal assembly has voted in favor of documents calling for the priestly ordination of women, same-sex blessings, and changes to teaching on homosexual acts. As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. All Rights Reserved. This includes the local Churches which we pastor and the many faithful Catholics for whom we are responsible. The German bishops Synodal Path began in 2019 and is ongoing, expected to conclude in February 2022. Nix for comment, but calls to his phone went unanswered. May 26, 2021 As the bishops of Germany move forward with a synodal path that could impact the entire Church, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila is releasing an open letter to his fellow bishops, especially those in Germany. Ultimately the Church is not merely an institution but an organic community; not egalitarian but familial, complementary, and hierarchical a people sealed together by love of Jesus Christ and love for each other in his name. CNA: Do you fear that a similar process could be started in the U.S.?Archbishop Aquila: It is hard to see anything quite like the German Synodal Path happening in the U.S. as there are a very different set of dynamics here. CNA: The Catholic Church is in a particularly serious crisis in Germany at the moment. Nix's claims, he has been paid the full salary due to him, which of course is a documented fact," Aquila said. Bishop James Scheuerman (Auxiliary, Milwaukee, USA) The Fundamental Text to which the letter responds suggests that synod participants are reacting to genuine pastoral problems, but in a way that is drawing them away from the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel, the reception of his teaching in the Churchs tradition, and the teaching of Vatican II. One involved a seminarian and the matter was fully reported to law enforcement in 2012 and the seminarian involved was dismissed from the seminary," Aquila's letter said. Thus the Synodal Path process, as currently pursued by Catholics in Germany, has implications for the Church worldwide. All Rights Reserved. Archbishop Aquila explains in the letter why he was moved to respond: "Mindful of the sacred responsibility to bear witness to him who sent me, I write this letter out of love for Jesus Christ and for the Universal Church that is the Bride of Christ. Bishop John Doerfler (Marquette, USA) Some may also have seen theFundamental Textthat has emerged fromForum Iof the Synodal Path. Entitled "Our Apostolic Moment," the note serves as . Like bishops in previous generations throughout the history of the Church who wrote to their brother bishops when important theological discussions were taking place, I send this letter to you. Denver archbishop refutes Cdl. McElroy - California Catholic Daily Read Archbishop Aquila's letter to the faithful regarding Father O . More than 80 bishops from around the world, including Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, signed an April 11 open letter sent by Archbishop Aquila that warned sweeping changes to church teaching advocated by the synodal path may lead to schism. There is one faith, one Lord. Dec 29, 2022 Vatican: Benedict XVI under medical care as health takes sudden turn | Catholic News Agency - I encourage all in the @ArchDenver to join #PopeFrancis in prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict. The Synodal Path process, at nearly every step, is the work of experts and committees: bureaucracy-heavy, obsessively critical, and inward-looking. Some readers may think this is out of linethat its about playing politics or point-scoring or being divisive. German bishops' president responds to letter warning of schism risk in Nix, we have been clear that if there is information about a crime, it must be reported to law enforcement Most importantly, I have always been direct that in no event would I allow any wrongdoing to be 'covered up,' for his benefit or for any other reason.". Archbishop Aquila: The Synodal Path has been highly publicized and so American Catholics who pay attention to the Churchs affairs have naturally been interested in its activity. They warrant, and we strongly encourage, more elaboration (as, for example, Archbishop Samuel Aquilas An Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops of the World) from individual bishops. Archbishop Aquila says, "His fortitude in the face of a false accusation has been inspiring to me and to the other priests in the Archdiocese who unfortunately have to live in fear of a false charge like this impacting or even destroying their vocation and good name." . Bishop Gregory Mansour (Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, USA) 2. One such priest told CNA that the behavior detailed in Aquila's letter was familiar. Archbishop Aquila was born on September 24, 1950, in Burbank, Calif. Its Gods Church, not ours! The Synodal Paths focus on power in the Church suggests a spirit fundamentally at odds with the real nature of Christian life. Bishop Timothy Freyer (Auxiliary, Orange, USA) Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver expounded on his recent open letter on the German bishops' "Synodal Way," in an interview with CNA Deutsch on Friday. Pope Francis has made it clear that we are to be a listening Church, but first to the Holy Spirit and to be grounded in Scripture, prayer and adoration. Bishop Kevin Rhoades (Fort Wayne-South Bend, USA) Bishop Kevin Vann (Orange, USA) [5], Bishops consecrated by Samuel J. Aquila as principal consecrator, Fellowship of Catholic University Students, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Historical list of the Catholic bishops of the United States, List of Catholic bishops of the United States, Lists of patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops, "Catholic Diocese of Fargo, ND - Office of the Bishop", "Pope appoints Fargo bishop to lead Denver archdiocese", "Vatican names Samuel J. Aquila Catholic archbishop in Denver", Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver Official Site, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Samuel_J._Aquila&oldid=1164321072, This page was last edited on 8 July 2023, at 19:53. A properly formed Christian conscience remains subject to the truth about human nature and the norms of righteous living revealed by God and taught by Christs Church. In his pastoral letter, Archbishop Aquila reflected on sin and repentance. The letter was released Tuesday. Bishop Filbert Mhasi (Tunduru-Masasi, Tanzania) J.D. The German bishops' "Synodal Path". DENVER, Colorado, April 16, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) - Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver is the latest prelate to denounce giving Communion to pro-abortion politicians and other dissident Catholics. The Synodal Path does not simply address structural concerns: it challenges, and in some instances repudiates, the deposit of faith. 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The reform of structures is not at all the same thing as the conversion of hearts. Our own process, following the process encouraged by Pope Francis has born fruit and brought about conversions. Radical inclusion requires radical love. While the bishops initially said the process would conclude with a series of binding votes, the Vatican told the bishops their plans were not ecclesiologically valid.. The German bishops are sowing confusion for the entire Church and this should worry every bishop, he said in a statement regarding the bishops letter. It includes bishops and lay people, and is meant to address four major topics: how power is exercised in the Church; sexual morality; the priesthood; and the role of women. The Gospel: there we can encounter Jesus, listen to Him, know Him. Its hard to generalize about American Catholics perceptions of the Synodal Path, which vary. For his part, Nix insists that he is a priest "in good standing" and noted in his post online that the archdiocese have not restricted his faculties in any way. Nix was using to try to control his assignment are not dark secrets that somehow make Fr. The encounter with Jesus, as seen in the Gospel and in the lives of the saints throughout history, changes hearts and minds, brings healing, turns one away from a life of sin and unhappiness, and demonstrates the power of the Gospel. The letters organizers provided an email address episcopimundi2022@gmail.com that other bishops can use to add their names to the document. When the German bishops launched the process, they initially said that the deliberations would be binding on the Church in Germany, prompting a Vatican intervention that rejected such claims. From 1999 to 2001, Aquila served as the first rector of St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver and chief executive officer of Our Lady of the New Advent Theological Institute at St. John Vianney. "The second allegation involves a third-hand report from the 1980s, and Fr. The letter is not about the behind-the-scenes dimensions of the process in Germany, about which most Americans know little, but about the content of the published Fundamental Text, which seems in places impossible to reconcile with the deposit of faith that bishops are to safeguard. This is something I strongly support and try to pursue within the Archdiocese of Denver. The need for reform and renewal is as old as the Church herself. In an age of rapid global communication, events in one nation inevitably impact ecclesial life elsewhere. Bishop Joseph Siegel (Evansville, USA) Letter warns that Germany's 'Synodal Path' could lead to schism. In 2000, Pope John Paul II named Aquila an honorary prelate. Archbishop Emeritus Terrence Prendergast (Ottawa-Cornwall, Ontario, Canada) In each case, he was eventually asked by the other dioceses to return to Denver, the archdiocese said. In some posts, he writes about what he sees as the infiltration of the priesthood by "communists, gays, and freemasons.". CNA: You yourself wrote: Considering the sacred responsibility of bearing witness to the One who sent me, I write this letter out of love for Jesus Christ and for the universal Church, which is the Bride of Christ. What exactly are you concerned about when you look at the Synodal Way in Germany?Archbishop Aquila: Admittedly lengthy the letter addresses concerns in some detail. Quite a few are troubled or alarmed by the ideas they hear reported as coming from the Synodal Path. The reform of structures is not at all the same thing as the conversion of hearts. The German bishops Synodal Path began in 2019 and is ongoing, expected to conclude in February 2022. The most recent signatories include Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, Bishop Emeritus of Hong Kong; Cardinal Camillo Ruini . Bishop Chad Zielinski (Fairbanks, USA, An Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops of the World. Those lending their names to the document include such well-known prelates as Cardinal Raymond Burke, Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, and Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver. Bishop Donald Hying (Madison, USA) But mainly in the coherence of life, between what we say and what we do. David made a similar threat to undermine me in my ministry if I didn't accede to demands he made," the priest told CNA. But the basic concern is fidelity to Jesus Christ and to his teaching. To pursue a path of change in doctrine is to cease to be Catholic. The joy of the Gospel essential to Christian life, as Pope Francis so often stresses seems utterly absent from Synodal Path discussions and texts, a telling flaw for an effort that seeks personal and ecclesial renewal. Like bishops in previous generations throughout the history of the Church who wrote to their brother bishops when important theological discussions were taking place, I send this letter to you. Instead, it broadly criticizes the Synodal Paths approach and the content of its draft documents. Bishop Paul Terrio (Saint Paul in Alberta, Canada) These include but are not limited to: a desire to change Church teaching regarding the dignity of the sexual act; rejection of the teaching of the character of priestly orders; a call to change the hierarchal nature of Church governance; a failure to uphold the universal nature of Church teaching; and an affirmation that the Deposit of Faith can change. Bishop David Walkowiak (Grand Rapids, USA) The August 5 letter, signed by Denver's Archbishop Samuel Aquila, along with Bishops Stephen Berg of Pueblo and James Golka of Colorado Springs and Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodriguez of Denver . There is nothing salvific in blessing destructive thought and behavior. As your brother bishops, our concerns include but are not limited to the following: 1. The Synodal Paths focus on power in the Church suggests a spirit fundamentally at odds with the real nature of Christian life. Aquila released his own15-page commentaryin May on the Synodal Paths first text, saying it puts forward untenable proposals for changes to Church teaching. Wilfred Cardinal Napier (Durban, South Africa) "The truth is that in an email he wrote on May 24, Fr. And their seriousness flows from the confusion that the Synodal Path has already caused and continues to cause, and the potential for schism in the life of the Church that will inevitably result. In a time of confusion, the last thing our community of faith needs is more of the same. Radical inclusion requires radical love - Denver Catholic Fr. Archbishop Aquila: German synodal path repudiates the deposit of faith It thus itself reflects a widespread form of Church sclerosis and, ironically, becomes anti-evangelical in tone. On March 18, 2002, he became bishop of Fargo upon the retirement of Bishop James Sullivan. 6184 More than 70 bishops from around the world including Archbishop Samuel Aquila have released a " fraternal open letter " to Germany's bishops warning that sweeping changes to Church teaching advocated by the ongoing process known as the "Synodal Path" may lead to schism. Bishop William Waltersheid (Auxiliary, Pittsburgh, USA) Archbishop Aquila signs fraternal open letter from bishops around the By Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. Nix, but he fails to show up for scheduled meetings, is hard to get ahold of, and even just yesterday he rebuked [Denver auxiliary] Bishop Rodriguez. "We have tried to speak with Fr. DENVER In a new pastoral letter honoring the 50-year anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver underscored the perennial significance of the Church's sexual. Additional prelates may request that their names be added to the letter by sending an email toepiscopimundi2022@gmail.com. Ed Condon is a canon lawyer and worked as Catholic News Agency's Washington DC editor until December 2020. For his episcopal motto Archbishop Aquila has chosen, Do whatever he tells you (Jn. Some readers may think this is out of linethat its about playing politics or point-scoring or being divisive. For the Christian, freedom is the knowledge, the willingness, and the unhampered ability to do what is right. Synodal Path content also seems to reinterpret, and thus diminish, the meaning of Christian freedom. Nix a 'whistle blower.' In his open letter dated May 13, Archbishop Aquila said that that the fundamental text produced by the first forum of the synod on how power is exercised in the Church revealed an untenable view of the Church. Its hard to generalize about American Catholics perceptions of the Synodal Path, which vary. Furthermore, while not the intention of reformers, it has sadly led to only further divisions as witnessed in the multiple Christian communities at variance with one another. Archbishop Aquila on evangelization, false gods, abortion, Germany's Read the full letter The German Synodal Path, as many other bishops have recognized, affects the whole Church because it calls into question fundamental teachings about the nature and structure of the Church as instituted by Jesus. The German bishop's letter was published April 16 at the German bishops' conference website. His ministry as shepherd of the people of northern Colorado is dedicated to helping every person experience the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and be moved by that encounter to a lasting commitment to share the Gospel with enthusiasm, creativity and joy. Since reporting the allegations, he claimed, he has been left "homeless" by the archdiocese. As you discern the Lords will for the Church in Germany, be assured of our prayers for you. More bishops issue statements on Latin Mass - Catholic News Agency By its destructive example, it may lead some bishops, and will lead many otherwise faithful laypeople, to distrust the very idea of synodality, thus further impeding the Churchs necessary conversation about fulfilling the mission of converting and sanctifying the world. The latter groupissued an open letter cautioning against what it called a capitulation to the Zeitgeistand an impoverishment of the content of our faith.. Bishop Rogatus Kimaryo (Same, Tanzania) Bishop Robert McManus (Worcester, USA) The Gospel: there we can encounter Jesus, listen to Him, know Him. . 18737. The need for reform and renewal is as old as the Church herself. This occurred in the 16th century and has been profoundly harmful to the unity of faith that comes to us through the Scriptures and Sacred Tradition. All of this is contrary to the faith and threatens schism. They look at the Church and her mission through the lens of the world rather than through the lens of the truths revealed in Scripture and the Churchs authoritative Tradition.. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic) I have written of my concerns in the past with the German Synodal Process, as well as concerns with other bishops and cardinals and their take on the process. Archbishop Paul Coakley (Oklahoma City, USA) Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Kurtz (Louisville, USA) Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever (Hb 13:8). Most of us outside Germany are aware through the media of the German Catholic Synodal Path and the outspokenness of some bishops in calling for radical changes to Church teaching and practice. The map below shows the nationalities of the signatories. The letter was written over several months, guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit. How is this process perceived by Catholics in the U.S.? Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone (San Francisco, USA) On March 18, 2002, he became bishop of Fargo upon the retirement of Bishop James Sullivan. Archbishop Aquila was born on September 24, 1950, in Burbank, Calif. Archbishop Aquila: German synodal path repudiates the deposit of faith The 859-word letter doesnt cite any specific changes to Church teaching called for so far. He was installed as the eighth archbishop on July 18, 2012. Bishop Bernadin Mfumbusa (Kondoa, Tanzania) There, it is used not only to address local, pastoral issues but to negotiate foundational doctrinal questions of universal import. 4. Archbishop J. Michael Miller (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) [2][3], On May 29, 2012, Aquila was named by Pope Benedict XVI as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Denver. On May 29, 2001, Pope John Paul II named Aquila as coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Fargo. The scandals came about for many reasons, but at the heart was a lack of the love of God and neighbor and an incoherent life of faith. He previously served as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Fargo in North Dakota. The Synodal Way is a controversial multi-year process bringing together Germanys bishops and laypeople to discuss the way power is exercised in the Church, sexual morality, the priesthood, and the role of women. I offer this response for your prayer and reflection and to encourage other bishops to bear witness boldly to the truth of the Gospel, to Jesus Christ who isthe way, and the truth, and the life(John 14:6).. The concern is about how synodality is being implemented in Germany. Bishop William Muhm (Auxiliary, Military Services, USA) Signed by more than 70 bishops when it was released, the letter has now garnered 101 episcopal signatures. Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwaichi (Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania) This is a very strange argument. 1999-2023 Archdiocese of Denver. (Photo from LifeSiteNews) Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago wrote to Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila last week to express "a number of concerns," after Aquila published an essay on theological and pastoral issues concerning the reception of Holy Communion. Bishop Peter Christensen (Boise City, USA) Nix is attacking the Church, my staff, and me, and is speaking about these things in a very public way, it is necessary to be clear with you about this matter. Nix had threatened him in that way. I want to reaffirm fidelity to the Holy Father, and I am eager for the next couple of years of reflection on the meaning of authentic Catholic synodality. The letter recognizes the value of synods in some of the questions raised. Bishop James Johnston (Kansas City-St. Joseph, USA) Additionally, he serves on the board of directors at FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students). Failing to listen to the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, the Synodal Paths actions undermine the credibility of Church authority, including that of Pope Francis; Christian anthropology and sexual morality; and the reliability of Scripture. The encounter with Jesus, as seen in the Gospel and in the lives of the saints throughout history, changes hearts and minds, brings healing, turns one away from a life of sin and unhappiness, and demonstrates the power of the Gospel. McElroy sparked controversy with an essay last week in America Magazine explicitly rejecting "a theology of . Bishop Thomas Daly (Spokane, USA) Archbishop Aquila joins worldwide bishops' letter to bishops in Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver. To surrender to the Zeitgeist is not a matter of reading the signs of the times; it is a betrayal of the Gospel., The only way we Christians will bear fruit today is if we stay attached to Christ, and teach with charity and love, with a tenderness that will accompany people out of their brokenness, sin, and wounds genuine synodality is not a parliamentary process but a matter of listening to the Holy Spirit, who will keep us in the truth and remind us of what Jesus teaches., Aquila urged the Bishop of Limburg to consider seriously what the many bishops who have voiced their concerns about the Synodal Path and its problematic results to date have put before you and your brothers in the German episcopate. Because they failed to heed the words of Jesus, Apart from me you can do nothing (Jn 15: 5), they were fruitless and damaged both the unity and the evangelical vitality of the Church, the letter says. Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver expounded on his recent open letter on the German bishops Synodal Way, in an interview with CNA Deutsch on Friday. Our Apostolic Moment More recently, in an interview published on March 31, GermanCardinal Reinhard Marx asserted that the Catechisms teaching on homosexuality is not set in stoneand one is also allowed to doubt what it says.. Bishop Anthony Lagwen (Mbulu, Tanzania) Archbishop Aquila: German synodal path repudiates the deposit of faith Nix, but instead we must always act with compassion and caring.". Trust in Jesus, in his word, and remember your first love. Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg (Reno, USA) Archbishop Aquila urges Catholics to 're-acquire a biblical worldview Failing to listen to the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, the Synodal Paths actions undermine the credibility of Church authority, including that of Pope Francis; Christian anthropology and sexual morality; and the reliability of Scripture. Colorado bishops issue religious exemption letter for COVID shots But mainly in the coherence of life, between what we say and what we do.
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