On the Brink of Schism

You are not signed in as a Premium user; you are viewing the free version of this program. Premium users have access to full-length programs with limited commercials and receive a 10% discount in the store! Sign up for only one day for the low cost of $1.99. Click the button below.

See All Plans

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO
 

TRANSCRIPT

The German bishops are at it again, edging closer toward schism, and with it, excommunication.

In a press release Tuesday, the Ecumenical Church Congress in Germany confirmed German Catholics will join Protestants in offering intercommunion services — this, despite a clear prohibition from the Vatican.

Bp. John Doerfler: "Though we share more in common with other Christians than there are divisions, we do not overcome the divisions by pretending they do not exist or by minimizing them."

German bishops have also expressed a willingness to bless so-called same-sex unions, which the Church's doctrinal office rejected just this week.

The director of the New Ways Ministry, which advocates for so-called LGBT rights, responded Monday to what he sees as the Vatican clamping down on Germany's schismatic plans.

Francis DeBernardo: "Part of the reason that this decision came down is because in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria, bishops and priests, ah, bishops are ready to approve blessings for same-sex couples."

On National Public Radio Tuesday, Jamie Manson, a self-proclaimed lesbian and president of the heretical Catholics for Choice, also responded to the new Vatican document while typifying a fundamental misunderstanding of the meaning of love.

Manson: "This gives a sense that our love is inferior, that our love is not blessed by God."

Manson also sees the Vatican's statement as a direct response to Germany's encroaching apostasy.

Manson: "There were some murmurings in Germany by bishops. They were considering, 'Can we bless same-sex couples?' So I think that put a lot of pressure on the Vatican."

While rejecting the act blessing same-sex unions, German cardinal Gerhard Müller also has a history of rejecting intercommunion, telling First Things Magazine that only those baptized and in full communion with the Catholic Church can receive sacramental Communion. This is because Holy Communion requires faith in the Real Presence of Christ and a true communion of faith with each other. Protestants are lacking in both.

As the German bishops teeter on schism with the Chair of Peter on chastity and obedience, faithful observers notice an eerie similarity to the 16th century Protestant revolt which, of course, began in Germany.

Have a news tip? Submit news to our tip line.

We rely on you to support our news reporting. Please donate today.