The False Magesterium of the Theologians

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article that looks at the growing battle between the authentic Magesterium & "an alternative magisterium" to the teaching authority of the bishops that many theologians have been pushing for decades. The article focuses in on the recent battle between Bishop Olmsted & Catholic Health Care West. But it also mentions a little noticed action by Rev. Robert Vasa, bishop of the Diocese of Baker, OR. Last year he ended the church's sponsorship of St. Charles Medical Center in Bend over the hospital's performance of tubal ligations. (Note: It was announced by the Vatican on Monday that Bishop Vasa was named co-adjutor Bishop for the Diocese of Santa Rosa, CA by Papa Benedetto.)

The article (link below) can be effectively summarized in the subtitle used "Administrators shop for theologians to support practices that conflict with church teachings." & that is exactly what many of them have done. The author says that the response of Lloyd H. Dean, president of Catholic Healthcare West to Bishop Olmsted "appeared to suggest that the teaching authority of the Phoenix Bishop was just one more "opinion" on a 'complex matter.'"

Later the article says "in cases like the one at St. Joseph's, the alternative magisterium often trumps the true Magisterium of the church. Catholic colleges and hospital administrators now 'shop' for theologians who will support their decisions."

That is a pretty accurate description of how things are across the nation. I have seen that same thing arround here where the authentic teaching of the Church is just 1 more opinion. & often, not the right 1 either.

Bishop Olmsted has basicly said that cannot stand. "Concluding that 'there can be no tie so to speak in this debate,' Bishop Olmsted said, 'it is my duty as the chief shepherd in the diocese to interpret whether the actions at St. Joseph's meet the criteria of fulfilling the parameters of the moral law as seen in the Ethical and Religious Directives.'"

Bishop Olmsted has, like Bishop Vasa last year & like retired Bishop Martino did a couple years ago in the 2008 election, made it clear that there is only 1 final authority in the diocese, the Bishop. & that the Bishop has a duty to see that the teaching of the authentic Magesterium is taught & upheld in his diocese.

Now, how many more Bishops will follow their lead & start demanding the same of the colleges, hospitals & other institutions in their dioceses that call themselves Catholic? & that also extends to the priests & staff at the parish & diocesan level as well. & lest we forget, the dissident religious as well.

Catholic Hospitals vs. the Bishops