David Morrison on the Decision to Bar SSA Guys from the Seminary

People have asked what I think. I pretty much agree with Dave. I've had reservations about this policy for a number of reasons.

a) I think it takes an approach that does not see the person, but thinks only in broad insurance company terms. I would prefer it if a guy like David Morrison--i.e. a committed, celibate man with SSA with a proven track record of devotion to our Lord--could be a priest if he wanted to be.

b) I think it will, if implemented, wind up punishing the honest and rewarding liars.

c) I very much doubt it will be implemented in any case, just as the American Church has managed to avoid implementing Ex Corde Ecclesia.

What I've been arguing is not that this judgment is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but that it does not constitute an exclusion of SSA men from the life of the Church. That's why I've used my own situation as an example. I can't be a priest either. That doesn't mean I can't have a rich and fruitful life in the Church. My counsel has not been, "This is great! Take *that*, struggling guy with SSA!" Rather it's "Don't let this be a cause of despair." The priesthood is not the be all and end all of relationship with God--and relationship with God is what matters.