Cardinal Burke cancels England speech, cites respect for bishops
Cardinal Raymond Burke delivers a speech in Boston
Cardinal Raymond Burke has withdrawn from speaking at a conference of traditionalist Catholics in England, citing “several expressions of concern” from other Catholics and the “lack of respect” his participation might show to local bishops.
“The promotion of my presentation as, in some way, a direct criticism of the Bishops of England and Wales has made it wrong for me to keep the engagement,” Cardinal Burke wrote the leadership of the group Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
His position at the Vatican made it “not right” for him to give a presentation which in any way would reflect a lack of respect for the local bishops.
“Although I am sure that has not been your intention to put me in such a position, that, in fact, is what has happened,” the cardinal said in a May 30 letter to Daphne McLeod, chairman of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.
Cardinal Burke, the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, was to be the main speaker at the organization’s “Faith of our Fathers Conference” in London on June 18. The announced topic of his speech was “The Restoration of Church Discipline and Evangelization.”
His letter cited the conference registration form, which begins with a highlighted text about the decline of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. He noted its assertion that the countries’ bishops are “obdurate in their refusal to allow our glorious Catholic faith to be taught in the schools” and that the “downward trend” is set to resume with the next generation of immigrants.
The cardinal said several of his contacts have sent him sources which promote the event as “a direct criticism” of the bishops of England and Wales by a member of the Roman Curia.
McLeod, 83, said the cardinal’s letter came as “a terrible blow.” She said the organization respects his decision and always shows “great respect” for “the Office of Bishop.”
She expressed sorrow that the promotional flier was “more outspoken than necessary.” She also noted that several hundred “devout and faithful Catholics” already bought tickets for the event and some attendees were coming from Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
McLeod blamed the controversy on opposing elements in the country’s Catholic Church
“As you do not live in England you cannot possibly be as fully aware of the sad situation here as we are,” she wrote Cardinal Burke. “I should have warned you that there would be an attempt to stop you speaking for us, because this always happens, sometimes from unexpected quarters.”
McLeod characterized her group’s members as “whistleblowers” who are “inevitably unpopular with the establishment.” She charged that “false catechetics” are leading 97 percent of Catholic school graduates out of the Church.
She noted the “considerable expense” the organization had paid for the event, at least $8,000. McLeod worried whether Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice could meet its obligations if it had to return ticket money.
Previous speakers at the “Faith of Our Fathers” conference include EWTN foundress Mother Angelica, Prof. Alice von Hildebrand, Una Voce president Michael Davies and Christian Order editor Ron Pead.
Cardinal Burke will be replaced by Fr. Paul Kramer, who will speak on the story of Our Lady of Fatima and “the efforts being made to get all of the Secrets revealed,” the organization reported on its website.
Read more: http://ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/World.php?id=3345#ixzz1Obf8LY2t
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