My conversation with Dr. Larry Chapp today discusses the recent teaching edict of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith: Fiducia Supplicans. The document attempts to clarify the pastoral meaning of blessings, particularly in relation to "irregular unions," but falls short on several fronts. We discuss some of our issues with the document, including theological incoherence, the invention of straw man positions, and the potential for misinterpretation. We also explore the implications of divorcing pastoral practice from truth, and the need for love to be grounded in truth.

Included in the discussion: clericalism, masked homophobia, incrementalism and the law of gradualism, responses from bishops conferences around the world, synodality and non-synodal approaches, comparisons to Humanae Vitae (ha!), the subseuqent press release, the endurance of the Church, support for LGBT Catholics, and much more.

Episode Links:Fiducia SupplicansThe subsequent press releaseThe Pillar's rollup of reactionsEden Invitation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction00:49 What is Fiducia Supplicans?02:09 Authority of the Document05:24 Perceptions and Reactions08:19 Invention of a Middle Position10:08 Theological Incoherence11:34 Blessing Individuals vs. Relationships13:02 Train Wreck of Pastoral Approach14:28 Spin and Misinterpretation15:28 Pastoral Disaster20:21 Theology of Blessings21:42 Tenuous Foundations22:17 Solution in Search of a Problem23:15 Incoherence and Contradictions26:04 Masked Homophobia27:33 Divorcing Pastoral Practice from Truth31:16 Theological Stupidity35:43 Ecclesiastical Free-for-All38:26 Divorcing Love from Truth40:54 The Church as an Idol44:04 Incrementalism and the Law of Gradualism45:00 Responses from Bishops Conferences46:50 Synodality and Non-Synodal Approaches50:13 Comparisons to Humanae Vitae52:46 The Press Release and African Bishops57:43 Racism and Synodality58:06 The Church's Endurance and Hillaire Belloc58:19 Support for LGBT Catholics01:01:28 Pope Francis and Pastoral Mistakes01:03:06 Proclaiming the Truth