Tevlin: Controversial priest's visit exposes rift in Catholic Church

[rug]

Article by: JON TEVLIN , Star Tribune
Updated: November 4, 2014 - 10:59 PM

A south Minneapolis church plans to bring in controversial Irish Redemptorist priest Tony Flannery to speak on Wednesday, despite warnings from Archbishop John Nienstedt. And the church’s pastor is using the words of a powerful church leader to justify it: Pope Francis.

Father Mike Tegeder, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Church, has been intent on bringing in Flannery, who is on a speaking tour of the country. But the Cabrini visit will be the only time he speaks on Catholic Church property.

Flannery, author of several books on religion, holds controversial positions on birth control, homosexuality and the ordination of women. He was silenced by the Vatican in 2012 and told he would be allowed to return to ministry only if he signed a statement denouncing beliefs that don’t agree with current church doctrine. He has refused.

Tegeder, long an outspoken priest who has repeatedly tangled with Nienstedt, met with him late last week to discuss the issue.

http://www.startribune.com/local/281516781.html

http://www.tonyflannery.com/



http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/books/review-tony-flannerys-question-of-conscience-29578612.html

[rustbeltvoice]

1. Saturday night last,

i heard Fr. Flannery speak. He is no firebrand. He was not particularly controversial. His witness was there is an heavy handed political stance by extremists (my word, not his) in a part of the Vatican hierarchy for rigid obedience to an hardline, a bullying illegitimate authority. He posits a continuing discernment in long conversations as preferable. Cardinals Müller and Burke are examples of the former, while Pope Francis is the latter.

He was circumspect, but he hinted about US bishops. Within their number, there are "cultural warriors" that are absent elsewhere.

The Irish Church: the youth are absent, young theologians "eye the mitre", current bishops are careerists gauging the wind.

http://www.tonyflannery.com/catholic-tipping-point-tour/

[rug]

2. Thanks for the update!

He won't be speaking anywhere near me but I may get his book.