Fact Check on Freep's "Vigneron softens tone on Communion for Catholic gay supporters

Vigneron softens tone on Communion for Catholic gay supporters:

Freep: Vigneron’s softened language comes at a key time, just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned state bans on gay marriage and just weeks before Pope Francis, who has displayed a more welcoming, inclusive attitude about gay Catholics, is to visit the U.S. in September.

Fact Check: Francis has declared same-sex “marriage” a diabolical effort of “the Father of Lies” to “destroy God’s plan … and deceive the children of God.” He said then—only four years ago—that gay “marriage” discriminates against children “in advance,” depriving them of “their human development given by a father and a mother and willed by God.” At stake, said Cardinal Bergoglio, was “the total rejection of God’s law engraved in our hearts” and the very survival of the human family, with Satan at work.

Linda Karle-Nelson in FREEP: interpreted ArchbiVigneron’s most recent comments to reflect church-going Catholics such as she and her husband, parents to gay sons, who “if your conscience tells you that you are in line with Christ, that you’re thinking like Christ, then you are certainly welcome at the Communion table.”

Fact Check The Church sets out specific guidelines regarding how we should prepare ourselves to receive the Lord’s body and blood in Communion. To receive Communion worthily, you must be in a state of grace, have made a good confession since your last mortal sin, believe in transubstantiation, observe the Eucharistic fast, and, finally, not be under an ecclesiastical censure such as excommunication.

First, you must be in a state of grace. "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:27–28). This is an absolute requirement which can never be dispensed. To receive the Eucharist without sanctifying grace in your soul profanes the Eucharist in the most grievous manner.

A mortal sin is any sin whose matter is grave and which has been committed willfully and with knowledge of its seriousness. Grave matter includes, but is not limited to, murder, receiving or participating in an abortion, homosexual acts, having sexual intercourse outside of marriage or in an invalid marriage, and deliberately engaging in impure thoughts (Matt. 5:28–29). Scripture contains lists of mortal sins (for example, 1 Cor. 6:9–10 and Gal. 5:19–21). Bottom Line:

As the U.S. bishops note in Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, we need to form our consciences in an ongoing manner. How do we do this? 1) When examining any issue or situation, we must begin by being open to the truth and what is right. 2) We must study Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church. 3) We must examine the facts and background information about various choices. 4) We must prayerfully reflect to discern the will of God (Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, no. 18). The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults adds: 5) The prudent advice and good example of others support and enlighten our conscience. 6) The authoritative teaching of the Church is an essential element. 7) The gifts of the Holy Spirit help us develop our conscience. 8) Regular examination of conscience is important as well (p. 314). ..."if your conscience tells you that you are in line with Christ, that you’re thinking like Christ," is not Catholic conscience formation.

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Maryland New Ways Ministry in Freep piece:

[Vigneron’s latest comments]... recognizes that people, in their consciences, have to weigh the church’s teachings in their own lives and relationships. That is authentic Catholic teaching."

Fact Check Authentic Catholic teaching is set down in the fact check above-- people must form their consciences in accord with Church teaching

Freep: Smith, an outspoken conservative, is blunt in delivering a message that some gay Catholics might find unwelcoming.

Fact Check: Professor Janet Smith is not a "conservative;" She is Catholic.

Freep: Catholic gay rights supporter DeBernardo said Smith’s comments show that some church leaders are “burying their heads in the sand.”

Check: Professor Smith's hear is a light in the darkness, which influences the "gay" lifestyle. She was quoted in the Freep as saying, “Parents should always express and live out unconditional love for their children, for those who are living in accord with God’s plan for sexuality and those who are not. But this does not mean that the parents must violate their own beliefs to accommodate those of their children.” Remember the words of Jesus on this point: “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple."

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