Advice from Hume

DOCUMENTATION

We give below the full text of Cardinal Hume’s letter to Archbishop Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome, on behalf of Sr Lavinia Byrne (The Tablet 15 January). The congregation kept silent after receiving it.

15 September 1998

Your Excellency

On Monday 14 September, I met with Sr Lavinia Byrne IBVM and her provincial, Sr Cecilia Goodman.

The purpose of our meeting was to discuss the aftermath of the publication of Sr Lavinia’s book, Woman at the Altar. I explained to the two sisters that I had no mandate to interfere in the affairs of their religious institute. I also said that whereas I had to make certain that the teaching of the Church was known and accepted by the Catholics of England and Wales, at the same time I had to ensure that no harm would come to the Church. I, too, had to be concerned that every individual be treated with justice and charity.

Having considered the present matter carefully, having spoken with Sr Lavinia and her superior, taking also into account the sensitivities of people in our country at a delicate moment in the Church in this country and abroad, I have concluded that I must advise, and strongly, that no further action be taken by the congregation in the matter of Sr Lavinia’s book.

You will recall how Sr Lavinia had explained that her book Woman at the Altar, was completed and with the publisher when the Holy Father issued his document entitled Ordinatio Sacerdotalis. It was Sr Lavinia who insisted that Ordinatio Sacerdotalis should be printed at the end of her book, even though this caused the publishers considerable inconvenience.

I have read Sr Lavinia’s press release of 1 August 1998 and this confirmed my view that no further action should be taken. Sister wrote: “Woman at the Altar was a book of that moment. There is no way in which I or any other theologian could write it nowadays. I have not spoken in public or lectured about the question of priestly ordination since I was asked not to do so by my legitimate superiors in the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in July 1995. I should add that I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God.”

This statement was given publicity in the press.

Sr Lavinia is a much-respected person in this country, and not only in the Catholic Church. She has done much good, and will continue to do so.

I am sure the congregation will act wisely and with prudence, and now leave the matter to rest. Any other policy will be harmful for the Church in this country. Please accept my advice.

Yours respectfully

Basil Hume
Archbishop of Westminster