Bishop Morris Writes to the Record, The Record, June 16, 2011

Bishop Morris Writes to the Record

The Record
June 16, 2011

http://www.therecord.com.au/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2663&Itemid=30

After reading the editorial (p 80) and article (p 6) of the 18 May 2011 edition of The Record, I would make the following comments.

I believe Catholic publications and the journalists who write for them must be held to the highest standards of ethics, one of which is ensuring that what is reported is the truth. There are a number of untruths in the article and editorial.

At no time was the "Third Rite" of Reconciliation used in the diocese. What was used was a Second Rite with a full set of readings, homily, and an examination of conscience and, on occasions, according to the Liturgical and Canonical Guidelines laid down by the diocese, general absolution was given. These guidelines changed after the diocesan submission was examined by the Dicastery for Liturgy at a meeting in March 2004. These celebrations were prayerful and dignified.

The article says, "in his 2006 Advent Pastoral Letter, Bishop Morris stated that, 'if Rome would allow it,' he would be prepared to ordain married priests and women priests. He also said that, due to an ageing clergy, the Church should be open to recognising the validity of Anglican, Lutheran, and Uniting Church Orders." At no time in my Pastoral letter of 2006 did I make such statements. I acknowledged that there are discussions of these issues in places around the world which is not saying that I actively support them or promote them but simply a statement of fact. The editorial said that I had canvassed these ideas which is also wrong.

The editorial says that I was "on the side of changing Church teaching." I have served the Church and taught faithfully its beliefs since I was ordained. I have never promoted explicitly or implicitly the changing of Church teaching. After my 2006 Pastoral Letter was misquoted and, I believe, misinterpreted deliberately in certain circumstances, I publicly said I would not ordain women or married men while these actions were forbidden by the Church.

Beyond its errors of fact the editorial steps over the line in that in many places it is a personal attack rather than a reflection on the story. I firmly believe that such tabloid journalism has no place in a Catholic publication.

It seems to me that a retraction of the errors needs to be published with an apology for the personal attack undertaken by the editor. I thank you in anticipation for your attention to these matters.

William M Morris, DD

Emeritus Bishop of Toowoomba