Congregation of faith writes DBK boss Marx that the document to the Eucharistic approval of Protestant spouses is not ready for publication - UPDATE: kath.net documented original letter copy! - Cardinal Marx is "surprised"
Vatican (kath.net) After the conversation of Cardinal Marx and Cardinal Woelki and some other German bishops in Rome, the controversial document of the German Bishops' Conference for the common Eucharistic reception in confessional marriages. This was announced by the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop Luis F. Ladaria, DBK Chairman Reinhard Cardinal Marx, in an official letter (in German). The letter is dated May 25th. Archbishop Ladaria explains to Marx that he spoke to Pope Francis on both May 11 and May 24. After the talks, he wants to bring with the "explicit consent" of the Pope a few points to consideration..
First, that "the manifold ecumenical efforts of the German Bishops' Conference" are honored. However, according to the letter, the conversation on 3 May 2018 showed that the text of the Guidance raises a number of issues of major importance. "The Holy Father has therefore come to the conclusion that the document is not ready for publication." Ladaria refers to the document "Going with Christ - On the track of unity. Confessional marriages and joint participation in the Eucharist. A Pastoral Assistance of the German Bishops' Conference ".
The Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith mentions three "essential reasons" for rejection in the letter. The question of the admission to Communion of Protestant Christians in inter-confessional marriages is a topic that touches the faith of the Church and is of relevance to the world Church. In addition, the question has "impact on ecumenical relations with other churches and ecclesial communities", which should not be underestimated. Literally, item 3 is quoted as follows: "The theme concerns the law of the church, especially the interpretation of can. 844 CIC. Because there are unanswered questions in some parts of the Church, the competent dicastery of the Holy See has already been commissioned to clarify these issues promptly at the universal Church level. In particular, it seems appropriate to leave the verdict on the existence of an "urgent and serious emergency" to the diocesan bishop.”
Ladaria expressly pointed out that it was a great concern of the Holy Father "that in the German Bishops' Conference the spirit of episcopal collegiality remains alive".
UPDATE 18.30: Marx reacts!
Cardinal Reinhard Marx is obviously not pleased with the letter from Rome. He informed his spokesman on Monday evening: "The letter of the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of May 25, 2018 has reached the President of the German Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, this evening (June 4, 2018) On 3 May 2018 in Rome, the participating bishops were told that they should find 'as unanimous a rule as possible' in the spirit of ecclesial communion, and the President is therefore surprised that this letter from Rome has arrived even before finding such a unanimous settlement. The President also sees further need for discussion within the German Bishops' Conference, especially in the Permanent Council and the Autumn Assembly, but also with the corresponding Roman Dicasteries and the Holy Father himself. "
UPDATE 17:45: Since now various translations of the letter are circulating, kath.net documents the letter of Archbishop Ladaria / Congregation of the Faith, to the DBK Chairman Cardinal Marx for DBK handout in dt. Original language.
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG
