A listening Church

by Editor · March 19, 2014

In his recent interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis said that he welcomes vigorous debate, apparently even on once proscribed issues. �Fraternal and open confrontations foster the growth of theological and pastoral thought. I�m not afraid of this; on the contrary, I seek it,� the pope said.

“…But that freedom also presents the hazard of arising perceptions that it is now open season on the magisterium. We, the Church, must guard against that.” (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

This is an openness that does not seek to change doctrines, for Pope Francis clearly has confidence in the Church�s teachings. Rather, it is an inquiring openness that wants to hear the thoughts, ideas and experiences of those who are living with these teachings.

It aims to learn why some teachings are rejected by or are hurtful to many good Catholics, so that, as Cardinal Walter Kasper puts it, �renewed interpretation� of doctrines may bridge an �abyss� between Church teachings and the lived situation of many people.

Pope Francis has made it clear, repeatedly and in different contexts, that he is looking for pastoral solutions which might help reconcile the demands of the Church�s doctrines and discipline on the one hand, and God�s loving mercy on the other.

It is, in Cardinal Kasper�s words, �a renewal of Church practice, which is always necessary and possible�.

Reflecting on the Church�s ban on artificial contraception in the Corriere interview, Pope Francis put it like this: �The question is not whether to change the doctrine, but to go deeper and make sure that pastoral care takes account of situations and of what each person is able to do.�

His comments about civil unions, some of which he suggested might be tolerable to the Church, also included same-sex unions, as Cardinal Timothy Dolan acknowledged this month on US television.

According to Cardinal Dolan, Pope Francis wants the Church to study same-sex unions, �rather than condemn them�, and examine the reasons why they seem to be acceptable even to growing numbers of Catholics.

Clearly, Pope Francis encourages endeavours to find ways to facilitate the reception of Communion by some divorced and remarried Catholics, even over the public disapproval by the Vatican�s doctrinal prefect, Cardinal Gerhard M�ller.

All of these issues, and others like them, require an open exchange of ideas, without fear of reprimand.

This dialogue naturally must involve the likes of canonists and theologians. But it must also include those who have to live with Church teachings at the coalface, such as lay people to whom these teachings are addressed, and pastors who are called to give spiritual guidance, especially in the administration of the sacraments.

The distribution of the questionnaire on family issues in preparation of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops in October was a brave, though not flawless, first step in hearing the voice of the faithful. No doubt, the answers that were publicised in Europe, Japan and parts of the United States made for uncomfortable reading, signalling the need for new pastoral perspectives.

The Church will have to get used to this increased freedom of thought, coming after successive pontificates which did not always encourage critical enquiry. But that freedom also presents the hazard of arising perceptions that it is now open season on the magisterium. We, the Church, must guard against that.

Obviously, the discourse must be informed, based on knowledge and experience.

It must be sincere and charitable. The old language that applies hostile labels to those who hold opposing views can no longer be considered legitimate, nor should it ever have been.

Pope Francis is showing us, in concrete ways, that in serving Christ we may not abandon love in defence of our faith (as we see it), nor place zeal for the law above Christ�s �eleventh commandment�. Catholics, even when they disagree with one another, must remain united in faith and love.

The discourse must entail more listening than talking. Pope Francis evidently seeks to know the mind and the experiences of his fellow Catholics, from cardinals to people in the pew.

By reflecting, instead of instantly responding and fighting in our philosophical corner, we may learn from others and grow.

Above all, the discourse must be grounded in love for the Church whose mission it is to bring people to God and to salvation. As Pope Francis might agree, that aim trumps everything else.