Sad to say, the original positive statements of support coming out of the Diocese of Charleston, S.C. are now being repudiated by the Administrator. Msgr Martin T. Laughlin.
To recap from my original post, Fr. Newman addressed a letter to his parishioners on the parish website, which was distributed the following Sunday, calling on those who voted for Barack Obama to voluntarily refrain from Communion until going to confession. He did not deny anyone Communion, but admonished those who committed a grave sin by supporting a pro-abortion candidate, an entirely appropriate thing for a pastor to do. Many bishops during the presidential campaign said exactly the same thing!See an article that gives a good rundown of what happened.
Well, it appears the diocese has reconsidered its position and is now repudiating Fr. Newman's actions. The Administrator has posted a video and PDF file on the diocesan website that imply Fr. Newman's statements were a violation of personal freedom. Quoting from the catechism and stating that the pulpit is for preaching the word of God, Msgr. Laughlin accuses father of partisan activity. So now warning your parishioners that they must have an informed conscience and act according to God's law and not man's is partisan. The message is presented in a confusing way that I think could easily lead one to the view that personal conscience always trumps God's law. This is the same confusion that has led 90% of Catholics to reject Church teaching on birth control, the sanctity of marriage, and other key doctrines. Frankly, I wonder if the diocese is acting more out of fear of the IRS than fear of the Lord.
Local Catholics in Charleston who are organizing a prayer vigil during Masses this weekend are calling for support for Fr. Newman whom they say has been "rebuked and silenced". If this is true, it's a shameful outcome for this courageous priest. Please call the Chancery next week and ask for the status on Fr. Newman. Send letters of support to the Diocese asking that they go into his personnel file. A personal letter of support to Fr. Newman would also be appropriate. And please pray. When Jesus said he came to divide families, he also meant the family of the Church. My Jesus, have mercy on our poor Church.
Send a copy of diocesan correspondence to:
Apostolic Nuncio
Most Rev. Pietro Sambi
3339 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Rev. Msgr. Martin T. Laughlin, P.A, Administrator
Diocese of Charleston Chancery
119 Broad Street
P.O. Box 818
Charleston, SC 29402
Phone: (843) 853-2130
Fax: (843) 724-6387
mlaughlin@catholic-doc.org
