JOHN SMEATON, DIRECTOR OF SPUC: Dublin's Divine Mercy conference defends invitation to Fr Timothy Radcliffe, dissenter from Catholic teaching on sexual ethics

Friday, 7 February 2014

Dublin's Divine Mercy conference defends invitation to Fr Timothy Radcliffe, dissenter from Catholic teaching on sexual ethics

Fr Timothy Radcliffe O.P.

As readers may recall, I and other concerned pro-life/pro-family Catholics have objected to the invitation to Fr Timothy Radcliffe O.P. to speak at Dublin's Divine Mercy conference on 22/23 February. Fr Radcliffe is well-known as a veteran dissenter from Catholic teaching on sexuality. Deacon Nick Donnelly of the excellent "Protect the Pope" blog has detailed Fr Radcliffe's dissent. The conference's organising committee has issued a statement (see below) defending the invitation to Fr Radcliffe. The statement emphasises the committee's assertion that they

"stand with the Church in all matters of faith and morals"

which begs the question: If that is so, why are they inviting and defending someone who clearly does not "stand with the Church in all matters of faith and morals"?

STATEMENT FROM THE DIVINE MERCY COMMITTEE

What does the Lord require of us?

“To act justly and to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8

The nature of devotion in the history of Catholic spirituality is that it is clearly centred on reverence and respect: reverence for God and the things of God and respect for our neighbour and the things of our neighbour. These are two qualities which are commended by St. Faustina:

“As for you be always merciful to other people and especially towards sinners” (SFD 1446).

“On the cross the fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance for all souls - no one have I excluded.” (SFD 1182).

Following inquiries with appropriate Church authorities we have invited Fr Timothy Radcliffe O.P. to address the Divine Mercy Conference in Dublin on the theme “OUR FATHER…THY WILL BE DONE” on Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd February, 2014. Fr. Radcliffe is a respected and much sought after international speaker on scripture and spirituality. He works closely with Church leaders on an international level and we believe he will have an important message to share with us.

Through this statement, we wish to acknowledge all those who expressed concern or had reservations , and we want to assure all who participate in the Divine Mercy Movement that in line with St Faustina’s teaching, we stand with the Church in all matters of faith and morals as faithful disciples of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In keeping with St. Faustina’s message the purpose of the Conference is to glorify God’s Mercy and encourage fidelity to the Catholic Church in these difficult times.

We would like to conclude with these words of St. Faustina’:

“Love is a mystery that transforms everything it touches into things beautiful and pleasing to God,” (SFD, 890).

Please pray for the Conference and pray for the victory of LOVE in the world.

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About Me

I became involved in SPUC after graduating, when I established a branch in south London in 1974. I have worked full-time for SPUC for 42 years. I became chief executive of SPUC in the UK in 1996, having been general secretary since 1978. I was elected vice-president of International Right to Life Federation in 2005. At UN conferences in Cairo, Copenhagen, Beijing, Istanbul and Rome, I helped coordinate more than 150 pro-life/pro-family groups resulting in pro-life victories in Cairo, Istanbul and Rome. I was educated at Salesian College, London, before going to Oxford where I graduated in English Language and Literature. I qualified as a teacher, becoming head of English at a secondary school. I am married to Josephine. We have a grown-up family and we live in north London.