VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter
Joshua J. McElwee | Apr. 19, 2016
VATICAN CITY
A group of prominent global Catholic theologians, priests and bishops who have been criticized by the Vatican’s chief doctrinal office have come together to call for a new process for theological investigations in the church that would be marked by openness and transparency instead of deep secrecy.
In a letter sent to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith last month, the theologians argue that current procedures for investigations — characterized often by a lack of adequate defense or possibility of appeal — are “contrary to natural justice and in need of reform.”
The writers sharply criticize current practice. They say that current norms are outdated and follow a model based on “the absolutism of sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe.” They identify that:
*The person under investigation is not allowed to meet or speak to their accusers;
* The doctrinal office often acts as “investigator, accuser, judge and jury” and also imposes any penalties and hears any appeals;
* The accused is often not in direct contact with the Vatican — the doctrinal office rather works through the person’s religious superior or bishop, and;
* Procedures can “drag on for years, with sometimes negative consequences for the mental and physical health of the accused.”
The last point carries special significance, as many who have been investigated by the Vatican describe the process as particularly debilitating.
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