Card. Zen criticizes Vatican cardinals who want to change the doctrine of the Church with a synod

92-year-old erstwhile Hong Kong bishop, Cardinal Joseph Zen, 1 of the most prominent cardinals in China, criticized the organizers of the synod: Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Cardinal Mario Grech and Prefect of the Dicastery of the religion of Cardinals. Victor Manuel Fernandez for their focus on the changes in the structure and teaching of the Church on same-sex relationships, alternatively of taking care of the invariability of doctrine. The Chinese clergyman indicated the conditions that would should be fulfilled so that the Synod of Synodity could bring good fruitage.

The clergyman recalled that the phrase “synodity” means different things for different people. Meanwhile, according to Greek etymology, the word “synod” means “common walking”. Historically in the Church, synods were structures through which “the hierarchy of the church leads the Church through history.”

The priest referred to the Vatican Council I, which confirmed the doctrine of the infallibility of the pope, and which, due to the outbreak of war, could not be completed. The Vatican Council II emphasized the collegiality of bishops in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium), pointing out that all of God's people should participate in the mission of evangelization, but "the ecclesiastical hierarchy provides the direction of the Church's journey and retains the disposition of religion passed on by the Apostles."

The Chinese priest further explained that “Since the beginning of this synod, the 2 cardinals who presided over the assembly and the fresh prefect of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of religion did not emphasize the preservation of faith, but emphasized changes, especially changes in the structure of the Church and ethical teachings; peculiarly regarding ethical principles gender, above all: same-sex relations".

In 2021, individual asked the Congregation for the Doctrine of religion whether it was lawful to bless same-sex couples, as it was said that "no," at the same time a detailed explanation of the Church's position was given. The paper was signed by Pope Francis.

However, “documents from the Synod Secretariat seemed to propose that this issue would be discussed on the current Synod. In order not to waste time discussing during the synod, 5 cardinals raised this issue among others dubia (questions) addressed to the Pope, hoping that he will clearly confirm his position on this matter."

The answer came quickly, It was long and complicated. She denied statements from erstwhile years. It is written that "It is possible to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances." The authors of the “dubies” felt that this “complicated reasoning was not right at all” and asked for short answers “yes” or “no”. But they didn't come. They even felt that the answer they had received earlier "could not be written by the Pope himself", but was prepared by "the people liable for the synod to support their reasons for changing the teachings of the Church."

Card. Zen recalled that "The Synod is an highly large-scale undertaking, with consultations in local churches, continental conferences and yet a formal synod assembly". At continental level, “it was clear that the central secretariat closely controlled the procedures: sharing is stressed, while discussion should be avoided. The same method is utilized at authoritative synod meetings (!). The most amazing thing is that among the participants of the synod are 96 "non-bishops" (which represents 26% of the full group) who have the right to vote. It is clear that the intent of this synod is to overthrow the ecclesiastical hierarchy and implement the democratic system," we read.

He added that in connection with the admission of persons another than bishops to the vote, we are not dealing with a synod.

Turning to the issue of homosexual relationships, the hierarch recalled that shortly after the Synod session of synodity ended in 2023, The Dicastery of the Doctrine of religion published a documentary "Fiducia Supplicans", in which she stated that clergymen could bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances.

"The prefect of dicastery even said that the declaration was clear adequate and was not ready to discuss it further. They made a decision on this substance inactive during the synod, without consulting the bishops. It's unbelievable arrogance!', the card emphasizes. Zen.

“After the publication of this declaration in the Church there was a large division and large confusion among the faithful. It was uncommon in the past of the Church... The Pope and Prefect of the Dicastery of religion discipline expressed understanding for the situation, without withdrawing the declaration.’

The Chinese clergyman believes that if this issue is not solved on the synod, “the future of the Church will be very obscure, due to the fact that any clergymen and friends of the Pope who insist on changing the tradition of the Church in this respect proceed to forcefully push their plans.”

During the Synod, they promoted their program outside the gathering room. It is besides worrying to receive representatives of organizations promoting sex ideology in the Church, specified as the fresh Ways Ministry, who openly competition the teaching of the Church.

Hierarch fears changes in pastoral practice and teaching promoted in individual episcopates. It is horrified by the possible that local conferences of bishops "independent authority over the doctrine of faith." "If this thought succeeds, we will no longer be a Catholic Church" (the Church of England recognized the same-sex "marriage" and its faithful became a number of little than 20 percent of the global Church of England). How can we not be vigilant?” Zen.

Hierarch indicated that we must pray for a successful (worthy) ending of the present Synod for synodity, at least in 3 matters.

Firstly, the procedure of the synod should be changed, that is, to prevent bishops from voting together with lay people. Secondly, "it is crucial to avoid endless debate, at least on the question of the blessing of same-sex couples", and yet to confirm that this cannot be done. Thirdly, local Episcopals and laymen cannot be allowed to change the doctrine of the Church.

Cardinal Zen called for fasting and denying the Rosary.

Source: cruxnow.com, oldyosef.hkcatholic.com

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