Vatican criticizes Jesuit liberation theologian, issues no sanctions

Published: 2007-03-15

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican strongly criticized the work of Jesuit Father Jon Sobrino, a leading proponent of liberation theology, saying some of his writings relating to the divinity of Christ were "not in conformity with the doctrine of the church." In publishing a detailed notification March 14, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said it wanted to warn pastors and ordinary Catholics of the "erroneous or dangerous propositions" in Father Sobrino's work. The notification did not, however, impose any disciplinary measures on Father Sobrino, such as limiting his right to teach or publish as a Catholic theologian. Father Sobrino, 69, was born in Spain and has taught for many years at the Jesuit-run Central American University in El Salvador. Father Sobrino, in a letter to Jesuit superior Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, said the criticisms in the Vatican notification misrepresented his theology. He said the notification is part of an effort by some Vatican curial officials and other church leaders to put an end to liberation theology. His letter, which was posted on the Internet March 13, said it was written after he received a copy of the notification from his Jesuit superiors.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .