Hey everybody, we are back for the second half of #USCCB21's afternoon session:
+Caggiano is introducing a slate of candidates to be on the board of Catholic Relief Services.
Candidates:
+Broglio, AMS
+Hying, Madison
+Perez, Phl
+Solis, SLC
Broglio and Solis are incumbents.
+Caggiano is introducing a slate of candidates to be on the board of Catholic Relief Services.
Candidates:
+Broglio, AMS
+Hying, Madison
+Perez, Phl
+Solis, SLC
Broglio and Solis are incumbents.
3 outta 4 will get elected. Seems kinda sad for Bishop Number 4.
The winners are:
+Hying
+Broglio
+Solis
Their prize is a seat on the CRS board. Which actually does sound kinda fun if you're nerdy about the stuff I'm nerdy about.
+Hying
+Broglio
+Solis
Their prize is a seat on the CRS board. Which actually does sound kinda fun if you're nerdy about the stuff I'm nerdy about.
+Perez still gets to be Archbishop of Philadelphia, though.
+Listecki comes to the floor to talk about the new Book VI of the Code of Canon Law.
We're going to watch a video from noted canon lawyer, +Scicluna of Malta. He was supposed to come, but the pandemic...
We're going to watch a video from noted canon lawyer, +Scicluna of Malta. He was supposed to come, but the pandemic...
We are going to watch part 1 of the video today, and part 2 tomorrow, because the bishops are going to have *another* executive session this afternoon.
Right now I feel like when they wheel in a tv on a cart during class because there's a sub or something.
Right now I feel like when they wheel in a tv on a cart during class because there's a sub or something.
+Mark Bartchak is letting bishops know that the school of canon law is preparing a workshop on Book VI.
The new Book VI takes effect Dec. 8. If YOU want to know what the deal is, just keep following The Pillar. We've got you covered.
The new Book VI takes effect Dec. 8. If YOU want to know what the deal is, just keep following The Pillar. We've got you covered.
+Scicluna:
Book VI is about penal law in the Church.
Book VI is about penal law in the Church.
+Scicluna 
+Scicluna:
In canon law, we are dealing with laws that imply and presuppose some mission that comes with faith. It is a voluntary submission to law -- there are people who simply walk away from the Church to evade and avoid the discipline of the Church.
In canon law, we are dealing with laws that imply and presuppose some mission that comes with faith. It is a voluntary submission to law -- there are people who simply walk away from the Church to evade and avoid the discipline of the Church.
+Scicluna:
Canon law "is a system that lacks physical coercion, and I think that's very good news." Presupposes instead that people want to be in the Church.
Canon law "is a system that lacks physical coercion, and I think that's very good news." Presupposes instead that people want to be in the Church.
+Scicluna:
Revision of Book VI is an expression of our special moment in history -- what the pope calls a change of epoch, rather than an epoch of changes.
Revision of Book VI is an expression of our special moment in history -- what the pope calls a change of epoch, rather than an epoch of changes.
+Scicluna:
Law expresses the maternal charity of the Church.
In 2008, the process formally got underway for a new Book VI. There were limitations in the 83 code's Book VI, so it was better to revise systematically.
#USCCB21
Law expresses the maternal charity of the Church.
In 2008, the process formally got underway for a new Book VI. There were limitations in the 83 code's Book VI, so it was better to revise systematically.
#USCCB21
+Scicluna:
Why do we need reform? And why do we need penal discipline anyway?
The obligation to follow and apply penal laws is intrinsically linked to the pastoral office, and constitutes a concrete application of charity: to the Church, to victims of crime, and to perpetrator.
Why do we need reform? And why do we need penal discipline anyway?
The obligation to follow and apply penal laws is intrinsically linked to the pastoral office, and constitutes a concrete application of charity: to the Church, to victims of crime, and to perpetrator.
+Scicluna:
Failure to consistently apply canon law has compounded and exacerbated multiple problems in the life of the Church.
#USCCB21
Failure to consistently apply canon law has compounded and exacerbated multiple problems in the life of the Church.
#USCCB21
+Scicluna:
The pope says that a bishop who is not applying canon law forthrightly is negligent in his office.
Pastoral charity requires shepherds to have recourse to the penal system.
The pope says that a bishop who is not applying canon law forthrightly is negligent in his office.
Pastoral charity requires shepherds to have recourse to the penal system.
+Scicluna:
The purpose of penal sanctions in canon law are not the same as penal sanctions in a civil law context. Purpose is mainly spiritual, but has also to meet the demands of justice.
#USCCB21
The purpose of penal sanctions in canon law are not the same as penal sanctions in a civil law context. Purpose is mainly spiritual, but has also to meet the demands of justice.
#USCCB21
+Scicluna:
Canonical sanction has the function of reparation. and to restore justice.
Canonical sanction has the function of reparation. and to restore justice.
JD note:
I find this lecture interesting. But it is warm in here, after lunch, and I am seeing some eyelids drooping among the episcopate.
I find this lecture interesting. But it is warm in here, after lunch, and I am seeing some eyelids drooping among the episcopate.
+Scicluna:
General rule of the revision is to reduce the canons where the application of penalties is left to the discretion of the authorities.
The unity of the Church is promoted especially where most grave delicts are concerned.
General rule of the revision is to reduce the canons where the application of penalties is left to the discretion of the authorities.
The unity of the Church is promoted especially where most grave delicts are concerned.
+Scicluna:
Idea is not to have a monochrome uniformity, but to have communion.
Idea is not to have a monochrome uniformity, but to have communion.
+Scicluna:
He's just talking now about an introduction to the new book five from +Arietta.
He's just talking now about an introduction to the new book five from +Arietta.
+Scicluna:
63 canons out of 89 were amended. 71%
9 were moved.
and 17 remain unchanged.
63 canons out of 89 were amended. 71%
9 were moved.
and 17 remain unchanged.
book 6 sorry.
Scicluna:
A number of canons focus on repairing scandal and even compensatory damages for harm caused.
A number of canons focus on repairing scandal and even compensatory damages for harm caused.
+Scicluna:
Bishops need to protect the community by preventing offenses.
The canons also emphasize the presumption of innocence.
Bishops need to protect the community by preventing offenses.
The canons also emphasize the presumption of innocence.
+Scicluna just said "I would like to start by..." and a lot of bishops looked a bit surprised...
+Scicluna talking about the new c. 1311:
+Scicluna:
This important new graph is an important exhortation to us bishops to lead by example, but also not to refrain from imposing or declaring penalties if necessary.
This important new graph is an important exhortation to us bishops to lead by example, but also not to refrain from imposing or declaring penalties if necessary.
+Scicluna:
Check out this new canon. It is pretty important:
Check out this new canon. It is pretty important:
+Scicluna:
This is now made explicit a long-standing principle in canon law. We need to take this into consideration when addressing decisions in penal cases:
This is now made explicit a long-standing principle in canon law. We need to take this into consideration when addressing decisions in penal cases:
+Scicluna:
Law also presumes imputability when there is an external violation of the law. Check this out:
Law also presumes imputability when there is an external violation of the law. Check this out:
+Scicluna:
A person whose imputability is mitigated by certain circumstances is not penalized by an LS penalty, but can be subject to other penalties. See:
A person whose imputability is mitigated by certain circumstances is not penalized by an LS penalty, but can be subject to other penalties. See:
+Scicluna:
This is new:
This is new:
(Sorry guys, I just got a bunch of texts and took a minute to respond. I'm back)
+Scicluna:
The ordinary is enjoined by the law to act with a measure of vigilance:
The ordinary is enjoined by the law to act with a measure of vigilance:
+Scicluna:
If there are just reasons not to have a penal procedure, a penalty can be imposed without a procedure.
If there are just reasons not to have a penal procedure, a penalty can be imposed without a procedure.
JD's commentary time:
I am a canonist. I know +Scicluna is a lion of canon law. But if you ask me, this presentation is basically presuming U.S. bishops already know a great deal about penal law AND need someone to walk them through some of the new things.
I am a canonist. I know +Scicluna is a lion of canon law. But if you ask me, this presentation is basically presuming U.S. bishops already know a great deal about penal law AND need someone to walk them through some of the new things.
JD's commentary time:
If you ask me, this is presuming a lot of background knowledge for most U.S. bishops, many of whom have extremely limited formation in canon law. I'm not sure that non-canonists are following it.
If you ask me, this is presuming a lot of background knowledge for most U.S. bishops, many of whom have extremely limited formation in canon law. I'm not sure that non-canonists are following it.
JD's commentary time:
A sort of dynamic: "What is canon law and why you should care before it's too late" might have been more helpful.
A sort of dynamic: "What is canon law and why you should care before it's too late" might have been more helpful.
Especially b/c it's warm in here, and +Scicluna has a very melodic voice, and I suspect there is not a lot of engagement with the material.
JD's commentary time:
There is a danger that this might contribute to the false notion that canon law is boring.
YOU KNOW WHAT? It might have been more interesting for the bishops if we did a live version of The Pillar Podcast.
There is a danger that this might contribute to the false notion that canon law is boring.
YOU KNOW WHAT? It might have been more interesting for the bishops if we did a live version of The Pillar Podcast.
+Scicluna:
c. 1362 gives the normal canonical statute of limitations of 3 years, with exceptions for reserved delicts, and then some other offenses that have a statute of 7 years, and sexual abuse has a statute of 20 years.
c. 1362 gives the normal canonical statute of limitations of 3 years, with exceptions for reserved delicts, and then some other offenses that have a statute of 7 years, and sexual abuse has a statute of 20 years.
+Scicluna:
There is a new important development in c. 1362,3 . Prescription is suspended when a penal process starts, but only for three years. Once the three years are over, the statute starts to run again.
(Ed and I told you this in a podcast back when the law came out)
There is a new important development in c. 1362,3 . Prescription is suspended when a penal process starts, but only for three years. Once the three years are over, the statute starts to run again.
(Ed and I told you this in a podcast back when the law came out)
Ok. We have reached the end of the first part of the video. We will watch the second part tomorrow morning.
#USCCB21
#USCCB21
AND NOW-- We have some very special guest. Orthodox bishops led by:
His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States.
first time an Orthodox rep has come to speak at the USCCB, insofar as I know.
His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Chairman of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States.
first time an Orthodox rep has come to speak at the USCCB, insofar as I know.
Bishop David Talley of Memphis will introduce Archbishop Elpidophoros.
+Talley: We have been in U.S. dialogue between Catholic and Orthodox bishops since 1965-- initiated by the Orthodox.
We have an official joint committee.
+Talley: We have been in U.S. dialogue between Catholic and Orthodox bishops since 1965-- initiated by the Orthodox.
We have an official joint committee.
Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Let's all agree that Archbishop Elpidophoros' hat is so bad-ass. We might need better hats.
+Elpidophoros:
Thank you +Gomez. Thank you +Talley.
A few weeks ago, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I was here. Thank you for meeting with him.
Thank you +Gomez. Thank you +Talley.
A few weeks ago, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I was here. Thank you for meeting with him.
+Elpidophoros:
The future of the ecumenical movement requires a dialogue of love -- quoting Bartholomew I -- the 20th century was a time for growing restoration of relationships. 21st century should be century for restoration of unity.
The future of the ecumenical movement requires a dialogue of love -- quoting Bartholomew I -- the 20th century was a time for growing restoration of relationships. 21st century should be century for restoration of unity.
+Elpidophoros:
I am convinced that a dialogue of love is essential, inspired by our Patriarchs: Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew.
Both of those guys are convinced about the environment, and Bartholomew went to Francis' installation. So...as you can, this is important.
I am convinced that a dialogue of love is essential, inspired by our Patriarchs: Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew.
Both of those guys are convinced about the environment, and Bartholomew went to Francis' installation. So...as you can, this is important.
+Elpidophoros:
Dialogue of love is an expression of our desire for unity.
And since 1965, we have produced 32 documents, reports, and statements together.
(JD-- the Orthodox bishops like making documents too, I suppose.)
Dialogue of love is an expression of our desire for unity.
And since 1965, we have produced 32 documents, reports, and statements together.
(JD-- the Orthodox bishops like making documents too, I suppose.)
+Elpidophoros:
Our joint committee of bishops is scheduled for a meeting in May, in New Hampshire. The fruits of our dialogue are not restricted to theological debate.
Every year, Orthodox and Catholic bishops offer the opening prayer at the March for Life.
#USCCB21
Our joint committee of bishops is scheduled for a meeting in May, in New Hampshire. The fruits of our dialogue are not restricted to theological debate.
Every year, Orthodox and Catholic bishops offer the opening prayer at the March for Life.
#USCCB21
+Elpidophoros:
As Orthodox bishops, we are interested in the synod on synodality. During your 2 years of synoding on synodality, we can provide some input into the preparation process. Cardinal Koch and we are talking about this.
As Orthodox bishops, we are interested in the synod on synodality. During your 2 years of synoding on synodality, we can provide some input into the preparation process. Cardinal Koch and we are talking about this.
+Elpidophoros:
Our future together is to continue to bear witness to the presence of God in the world. Faithful to Jerusalem.
Our future together is to continue to bear witness to the presence of God in the world. Faithful to Jerusalem.
+Elpidophoros:
Hopefully talking, praying, and working together will bear fruit together.
Hopefully talking, praying, and working together will bear fruit together.
+Elpidophoros:
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity."
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity."
A lot of applause.
For background, +Elpidophoros is 53, Turkish, and became Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in 2019.
For background, +Elpidophoros is 53, Turkish, and became Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in 2019.
+Elpidophoros is going to give +Gomez a gift, a cross from the Hagia Sophia, which he calls the cathedral of Christianity.
I DON'T THINK WE HAVE A GIFT FOR +Elpidophoros!!!
Quick, go get something!
Quick, go get something!
Shoot. I wonder if we knew that this would be, like, a gift thing. Somebody give him an episcopal ring or something!
+Gomez:
Thanks you for being here, +Elpidophoros. I hope we continue our friendship for the good of the Church and of the world. God bless you.
Thanks you for being here, +Elpidophoros. I hope we continue our friendship for the good of the Church and of the world. God bless you.
Well, guys, the bishops are going to go into another executive session today. This is highly, highly unusual, and I am to find out the story of all these executive sessions.. But it means for us that we're done for a bit, until the press conference after the executive session.
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