... and the controversy regarding Fr. Dresser's writings. The following was sent to me this morning by Dr. Ed Peters:
Media Release - 10th November 2008
Statement to the Catholic Media by the Bishop of Bathurst, Bishop Patrick Dougherty
An unpublished book written by Father Peter Dresser, Parish Priest of Coonamble in the Diocese of Bathurst, has been receiving a certain distribution and publicity.
With regard to the Divinity of Jesus, the Virginity of Mary and the Resurrection of Jesus, Father Dresser has re-affirmed to me, and intends to endorse by a public statement, his adherence to these and to all the teaching of the Catholic Church. In the book, however, such foundational truths of our Christian Catholic Faith were not affirmed: readers could rightly conclude that some were denied and that the views expressed about them were heretical.
The watering down or emptying out of Christian teaching is not the path towards rendering Catholic doctrine more deeply known by people of faith or acceptable to sceptical people.
Whatever Father Dresser's stated good intentions and motives, stances taken in this book with regard to Jesus Christ and Mary are not acceptable: they are alien to Christian authenticity and to the fulfillment of the teaching mission of priests.
+ Patrick Dougherty Bishop of Bathurst
Statement to the Catholic Media by the Bishop of Bathurst, Bishop Patrick Dougherty
An unpublished book written by Father Peter Dresser, Parish Priest of Coonamble in the Diocese of Bathurst, has been receiving a certain distribution and publicity.
With regard to the Divinity of Jesus, the Virginity of Mary and the Resurrection of Jesus, Father Dresser has re-affirmed to me, and intends to endorse by a public statement, his adherence to these and to all the teaching of the Catholic Church. In the book, however, such foundational truths of our Christian Catholic Faith were not affirmed: readers could rightly conclude that some were denied and that the views expressed about them were heretical.
The watering down or emptying out of Christian teaching is not the path towards rendering Catholic doctrine more deeply known by people of faith or acceptable to sceptical people.
Whatever Father Dresser's stated good intentions and motives, stances taken in this book with regard to Jesus Christ and Mary are not acceptable: they are alien to Christian authenticity and to the fulfillment of the teaching mission of priests.
+ Patrick Dougherty Bishop of Bathurst
• Bishop Patrick Dougherty's web page (Diocese of Bathurst)
• Fr. Peter Dresser apologizes. Sort of. (November 9, 2008)
Hmmmm, a refutation of "the watering down or emptying out of Christian teaching" that is itself somewhat watery...
Posted by: Christopher Milton | Monday, November 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Interesting. Bp. D just resigned.
Posted by: Ed Peters | Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 07:33 AM
It might be more accurate to say that Bp. D's resignation letter, doubtless submitted a couple of years ago, just got accepted.
Posted by: Ed Peters | Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 07:35 AM