Read more: http://host.madison.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/in-the-spirit-catholic-diocese-changes-process-for-baptism-of/article_a344d830-ee7c-588d-bc59-97a9d06b5656.html#ixzz35U2jawbKThe Madison Catholic Diocese is altering the way it handles requests for the baptisms of children of same-sex couples, though the significance of the change is not entirely clear.
The process now will be centralized, with requests coordinated through the office of the vicar general, the bishop’s second in command, in consultation with parish priests. Previously, such decisions were left largely to priestly discretion and sensitivity.
Priests were notified of the change in a memo in early May from Monsignor James Bartylla, the diocese’s vicar general. A copy of Bartylla’s memo was given to the State Journal, though by a third party, not a priest. [well, it seems a priest would have necessarily leaked it to someone, not that I'm sure it matters]
The new approach comes as the Roman Catholic Church grapples with the issue internationally. An April 5 baptism in Argentina of a baby being raised by her biological mother and the woman’s lesbian partner kicked up a controversy.
The baptism angered some Catholics, who saw it as the church’s tacit endorsement of gay relationships. The two women were photographed kissing in the cathedral following the ceremony. The diocese’s archbishop said the church was not endorsing the gay lifestyle, saying, “Baptism is the right of every human person.”
Brent King does well with this one; questions well answered.
It's a tricky one. Since it's not possible for the child to be brought up in a Christian home, I can understand the case where the child is asked to wait until they are an adult. Other issues along this line have come up before; the WWII Jewish orphan controversy, or the case of Pope Pius IX and Edgardo Mortara. I lean toward the private Baptism solution, but clearly this avenue would be exploited as it was obviously done in Argentina. I do not envy our dear faithful priests. I think it makes sense to consult the Vicar General though to prevent precisely that exploitation while still making the sacrament available if possible.
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5 comments:
Ideally I think the hope would be to not to use a child's baptism to condemn the parents. Humiliating them in public isn't the way their minds and hearts can be converted. Yes, they need to hear the truth, but I'm sure there are plenty of baptisms for unwed parents who don't get the fire and brimstone talk during the Baptism. In private though, yes of course.
I agree with you guys.
I thought that one of the requirements for the baptism of a baby is that there is a likelihood of the child being raised a Catholic. I suppose "godparents" might suffice, but it would be a rare godparent who would want regular access to the baby once it reaches the age for religious education.
I believe that every child should be Baptized. It is the responsibility of the godparents to see that the child is raised Catholic. If they can't take on that responsibility, they should decline being Godparents.
For everyone born, a place at the table, to LOVE without fear, and simply to be, to work, to speak out, to witness and worship, for everyone born, the right to be free!
AND GOD WILL DELIGHT WHEN WE ARE CREATORS OF JUSTICE AND JOY, COMPASSION AND PEACE!!! YES, GOD WILL DELIGHT WHEN WE ARE CREATORS OF JUSTICE... JUSTICE AND JOY!!!
JUSTICE AND JOY!!!
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