Some bishops make sure speakers, ministers adhere to church teaching

Published: 2004-07-26

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- While a wide public debate was under way on whether bishops should deny Communion to Catholic politicians who consistently oppose church teaching on abortion, several bishops have taken steps recently to assure that their lay ecclesial ministers or those who speak at church events are in full accord with church teachings. Bishop Robert F. Vasa of Baker, Ore., has issued a two-page "Affirmation of Personal Faith" with instructions that anyone applying for any role in lay ecclesial ministry in the diocese must read it and affirm it. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago recently reminded all pastors that archdiocesan policy calls for all lay ministers to be loyal to the church's teachings as a prerequisite for service. Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Va., appointed a diocesan theologian to assist him on doctrinal and moral issues and "to review any person that is under consideration to lecture, present a workshop, give a retreat or otherwise speak ... on Catholic property."

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