Dismissal from Priesthood Is a Complex Issue

Avery Robert Cardinal Dulles, S.J. †

Function: Priest of the Society of Jesus

Title: Cardinal Deacon of Santissimi Nomi di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata

Birthdate: Aug 24, 1918	Country: USA

Elevated: Feb 21, 2001	More information: www.catholic-hierarchy.org

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Dismissal from Priesthood Is a Complex Issue
Sept 18, 2004
In a Times article, Cardinal Dulles cautioned: "The issue of dismissal from the priesthood is complex and contentious. Theologically speaking, anyone who is ordained remains a priest forever."

(Zenit.org, 11 June 2002)In a Times article, Cardinal Dulles cautioned: "The issue of dismissal from the priesthood is complex and contentious. Theologically speaking, anyone who is ordained remains a priest forever. To return a priest to the lay population is to obfuscate this theological principle. Is it not better, the second school will ask, for the Church to take responsibility for its erring priests and continue to care for them as priests rather than dismiss them, as if expelling them from its ranks would protect society from them?

"There may be a need to limit a priest´s ministry, even severely. He may have to be sent to a monastery for a life of seclusion and penance. But involuntary return to the laity should be very rare and should never be imposed without due process."

The cardinal further cautions: "The bishops are understandably concerned to show that they are taking bold and decisive measures. But they should take care not to lock the Church into positions that will later prove to be unwise."

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