Asian theologian urges Vatican to initiate dialogue with theologians

Published: 2007-03-23

CHENNAI, India (CNS) -- A leading Asian theologian has urged the Vatican to initiate dialogue with theologians to resolve doctrinal differences. "The Vatican should engage in dialogue with theologians when there is a conflict in doctrine and should not silence them," said Father Felix Wilfred in the wake of the Vatican notification concerning Jesuit Father Jon Sobrino, a Latin American theologian. He spoke to UCA News, an Asian church news agency. In a document made public March 14, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith warned that some works by the Jesuit priest from El Salvador contain ideas that are "erroneous or dangerous propositions." The Vatican did not take action against him. Father Wilfred -- who has worked with Father Sobrino for more than 10 years in various theological publications, including Concilium, an international theological journal published in seven European languages -- called the Vatican notification "highly regrettable." Father Wilfred said he has written Father Sobrino to express his support.

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