The former head of CAFOD is in a homosexual civil partnership, whilst his lover continues to be a leading light in the Soho Masses pro-gay rights movement that has official approval from the Diocese of Westminster. In the past, much of CAFOD's work has caused controversy, especially its apparent leanings towards socialist / leftist politics and its seeming dissent regarding condoms (see Christian Order - this article discusses all of the above). CAFOD's allies in what they might term "the progressive wing" of the Catholic Church include organisations such as Pax Christi and the National Justice & Peace Network (a branch of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales). As proof of NJPN's tendency towards dissent, the Network has recently invited pro-abortionists and supporters of "LGBT rights" to address its annual conference (see John Smeaton's SPUC blog).
A few months ago, the Vatican decided not to renew Lesley-Anne Knight's contract as Caritas International's General Secretary - much to the annoyance of those who seem to be Catholicism's professional dissenters. At the time, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's Secretary of State, began taking more of an interest in Caritas' internal affairs. It seems that, as a result of the Cardinal's concerns, the Vatican refused to grant a "nihil obstat" to Lesley-Anne Knight when she tried to apply for a second contract as head of the organisation. This was a clear sign to many that the Holy See was about to make some changes to the ethos and day-to-day running of Caritas and its affiliates.
A few days ago, a report in Catholic News Services (CNS) said that the Vatican was going to address Caritas' "Catholic identity" during this week's general assembly (22 - 27 May). The article went on to say that the "agenda of the May 22-27 meeting reflects the Vatican's moves toward closer collaboration and supervision" with and of Caritas' work and mission. CNS goes on to report that Vatican officials "will speak on the crucial topics of Catholic identity and the juridical status of Caritas Internationalis in the universal church" during the assembly's first day.
A piece in this week's Tablet, the periodical that seems to support dissenting voices within the Catholic Church, recently reported the fact that "[t]he Vatican has dropped Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, the internationally renowned former head of the Dominicans, from giving the keynote address at next week's Caritas Internationalis (CI) general assembly in Rome." Of course, Fr Radcliffe is well-known for his liberal brand of Catholicism, and for supporting movements within the Church that seek to challenge certain aspects of the Magisterium. He often celebrates Mass for the Soho Masses group, amongst other things. He is also a member of the board at CAFOD.
Although Fr Radcliffe's books have enlightened many, they tend to be very dated - in that they reflect a certain type of "liberal" or "new" form of Catholicism which set itself against tradition and continuity after the Second Vatican Council. Even Pope Benedict himself, especially when writing as Cardinal Ratzinger, has often spoken of the harm caused to the Church by the "hermeneutic of rupture." This is, of course, one of the reasons why the Pope seeks to heal this rupture, and why he has been so proactive in freeing the Church's Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, with the hope of creating a liturgy and theology of continuity - where the best from both "old" and "new" can come together, eventually, as one. When this is achieved, then Vatican II's liturgical and pastoral vision will have been properly realised.
The Tablet also reports that Fr Radcliffe "was originally scheduled to deliver the opening address on Monday morning and speak about the theology that undergirds the work of Caritas." The Dominican had even prepared his 45-minute talk. This slot has now been handed to Fr Raniero Cantalamessa OFMCap, who is the world-renowned preacher to the papal household. The Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Peter Turkson, will address the conference after Fr Cantalamessa's speech.
The Tablet also reports that Fr Radcliffe "was originally scheduled to deliver the opening address on Monday morning and speak about the theology that undergirds the work of Caritas." The Dominican had even prepared his 45-minute talk. This slot has now been handed to Fr Raniero Cantalamessa OFMCap, who is the world-renowned preacher to the papal household. The Prefect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Peter Turkson, will address the conference after Fr Cantalamessa's speech.
As so many other speakers and panellists have been dropped to make room for high-ranking members of the Curia who wish to address Caritas International's general assembly, a spokesman from the organisation denied that the Vatican's main intention in removing Timothy Radcliffe from addressing the conference was to block him from speaking. This might be a diplomatic response from the Caritas official, for it seems that the umbrella organisation is treading carefully at the moment. This year's Caritas International's general assembly will have at last 6 members of the Curia addressing it - which has never happened before - and Cardinal Bertone himself will be celebrating the event's main Mass. The fact, then, that the Vatican seems so keen to reform Caritas has woken many of its members to the realisation that the years of dissent and lack of proper respect for Catholic teaching are well and truly coming to an end!
I hope and pray that the Holy See will encourage reform within Caritas and help it rediscover its Catholic identity. Who knows, in a few years maybe even CAFOD will be able to support the fullness of Catholic teaching? Some people who are involved with organisations like CAFOD and NJPN seem more inclined to a Marxist reinterpretation of Catholicism as opposed to Catholicism as it really is meant to be lived. So, if organisations like CAFOD, that have a reputation for dissent and belong to Caritas International, actually embrace the "reform of the reform" that is currently sweeping through the Church it might become possible for Catholics of good conscience to start donating money to them once more!
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