www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West The Greatest Scandal of the Church

IMO, they don't have a problem because
(at least in the US) they pretty much
ignore the Vatican and do whatever they
want anyhow.............

antonius

Dear Antonius,

So I guess we Ukrainian Catholics have more in common with our Latin brothers than we thought!

Alex

I guess my general opinion of the Roman Curia
is that they always seem to be
interfering where they shouldn't, but
never interfering where they should.
Ah, bureaucracy !!!

antonius

Dear Antonius:

"Interference" should not be equated with "bureaucracy" since such act, when done within the competence of a dicastery in the Roman Curia, does not impede the effective adminstration of a global Church.

In point of fact, the Roman Curia should be viewed, in reality, as a "facilitator!"

I am eager to see instances where the Roman Curia, or any of its dicasteries, has consciously caused "bottlenecks" or "red tapes" as regards the affairs of the Eastern Catholic Churches and, for that matter, those of the particular Churches of the Latin rite.

Amado

Dear Amado,

The Roman Curia has thwarted efforts by the EC Churches to be self-governing, appoint their own bishops, fulfill their own mandates, take their own initiatives and declare their own patriarchates and patriarchal synods.

They have prevented the EC Churches from exercising their historical privileges such as a married priesthood, management of their own Eparchies without Roman interference, punishment and removal of EC bishops for trying to fulfill the same (ie. Bishop Borecky of E. Canada).

The Roman Curia is also in the disgusting position of being "over" EC patriarchs and major archbishops, telling them what to do and where to go, as occurred with Joseph Slipyj.

In effect, the EC Churches have become ecclesial bodies in communion with Rome but "under" Curial bureaucracy.

The Latin Church is different as this is part of the Patriarchate of the West.

Leave it in the West.

Alex

But think how much fun it would be to create a "Sacred Congregation for the Occidental Churches". Even as a joke, the decrees that such a body would issue might be instructive.

Incognitus

From the news reports (it seems) the Patriarchs "not in communion" with Rome are hosted with great dignity and honor when visiting the eternal city and the Holy Father.

Witness how Bartholomew or Teoctist have been welcomed as if they were great celebrities and honored guests. Their opinion is respected, they are listened to and treated as equals.

Eastern Catholic Patriarchs are not treated with such dignity, although they should be acknowledged as every bit the equals of their counterparts across the vale.

It seems that not being in communion with Rome has great advantages.

Catholic Charlie,

Just so you know, there are many of us out there who believe the Catholic Church (and, indeed, the Latin Tradition) offers just as much insight into the Things of God as do the Orthodox Churches or the Byzantine Tradition.

I continually see the Latin Tradition being devalued on this Forum, and sadly it seems most of the detractors are Roman Catholics.

Logos Teen

I agree. It is never appropriate to compare the best of the East with the worst of the West.

Dear Admin:

Thanks for making the muddied waters clearer!

Amado

Dear Teen Logo,

Yes indeed - what is wrong with those Roman Catholics after all?

I've always wondered about them . . .

A real pain in the cludius maximus, if you ask me . . .

Alex

Coalesco,

I have often thought the same thing. Perhaps this "spirit of ecumenism" should also extend to our own Eastern Catholic hierarchs. Certainly our difficult history should have taught us all that unity with Rome should not be taken for granted!

I will say, though, that during the many pontifical liturgies since JP2's passing to eternal life, this present Pope's treatment of both Eastern Catholicism and our hierarchs has been impressive.

My two cents...

Gordo