Priests and bishops ask family synod to uphold doctrine

Citing an open letter from clergy in the UK, more than 700 US priests have signed an online, open letter to the Fathers of the upcoming synod on the family, encouraging them not to alter any church doctrine or discipline regarding marriage and human sexuality, writes Michael Sean Winters.

“We wish as Catholic priests to restate our unwavering fidelity to the traditional doctrines regarding marriage and the true meaning of human sexuality, founded on the Word of God and taught by the Church’s Magisterium for two millennia,” the letter states.

Four bishops signed the petition: Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, David Kagan of Bismarck, North Dakota, and  Robert Finn, who recently resigned as Bishop of Kansas City-St Joseph, Missouri.

“This statement is signed by priests who love and support the Holy Father,”  Bishop Conley said.