I respond to Liam O’Dea’s challenge in the Free Times, June 23, regarding the dismissal of William Morris as Bishop of Toowoomba. I have known Liam for 30-odd years and his parents were dear friends of my wife and I. It is not just my opinion that Morris was sent packing on doctrinal grounds; Christopher Pearson, in an extended article in The Australian on May 6, states the fact clearly. I am well aware that there are many theologians, some in prestigious positions of considerable influence, like Father Richard O’Brien As to Pope John Paul II and his Definitive Teaching regarding the ordination of women, that also depends on whether one follows the trendy theologians, and many members of the National Council of Priests, or that of traditional theologians and conservative Catholics. It is true that the Pope did not make the statement while sitting in St Peter’s chair, however, the statement made by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope John Paul II, states quite definitely that the Church has no authority to ordain women to the priesthood and reads that this is ‘to be held always, everywhere, and by all, as belonging to the deposit of the faith’. Only hair-splitters could deny that this then became part of the Doctrine of the Church, and that these theologians and others would still have denied the fact even had it been spoken ex cathedra; for orthodox Catholics and theologians this fact is accepted. On this matter I do not have a personal opinion, my opinion is that of the Pope and the Supreme Magisterium, and I might add of Cardinal Pell and all the other orthodox bishops. It is certain that those who repudiated Humanae Vitae, and Veritatis Splendor will continue on their trendy way but, it is also a fact that these people were well on their way to emptying the seminaries before they were taken over by those who have resorted to orthodox teachings once again and seminary numbers are now growing steadily. The defeatist attitude of William Morris and those around him regarding ‘priestless parishes’ certainly didn’t encourage young men towards vocations. One might remember that the Catholic Church is worldwide, and it is to be hoped that priests from overseas countries will now be brought in to help tide our parishes over until we once again have sufficient priests of our own. When William Morris was consecrated as a bishop, he took an oath to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church. When he made his statement regarding the ordination of women, he broke that oath and, after a period of very great patience by the Vatican, he paid the price and was removed. I suggest that Liam read Christopher Pearson’s article in The Australian if he wishes to know all the details.
Charles M Shann, Warwick
