Archbishop Chaput Cautions Faithful Regarding Fr. James Martin’s Claims

(CNS photo/Paul Haring.)

Dear Readers,

We want to encourage you to visit CatholicPhilly.com to read a statement issued by Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap, yesterday regarding some of the claims of Fr. James Martin, SJ.

We believe Chaput is the first major archbishop in the US to publicly address these concerns regarding Fr. James Martin. His statement is a step in the right direction; it definitely is much better than silence.

In particular, we wish to draw your attention to the clarity Archbishop Chaput offers in the following statements:

1. Martin does not speak with authority on behalf of the Church.
2. Authentic conversion and discipleship necessarily include living a life of chastity.
3. Justice and mercy require that LGBTQ men and women hear the truth about human sexuality spoken clearly and confidently.

You can read the entirety of Archbishop Chaput’s statement at CatholicPhilly.com. Let’s hope this move encourages and emboldens other solid bishops to also “be not afraid” to speak the truth on such matters.

In Christ,

Peter Herbeck