On the feast of the Holy Family, it seemed appropriate to identify a few Church policies on marriage and family.
At this point, the Church’s policy is that marriage is between one man and one woman. Church’s policy requires that husband and wife should be faithful in marriage in an exclusive union, open to children, until the parting of death. The Church also forbids the marriage of people of the same sex. Current Church policy does not permit contraception and homosexual behavior. Church policy has rules against divorce and remarriage. We don’t know what the policies will be in ten years. The Church also has scientific policies. There are traditional policies that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The Church also holds that gravity is not only a good idea. It is the law. These are the policy positions at present. We don’t know if those policies will change in the future. Please excuse this exercise in evangelical sarcasm. Reality doesn’t depend upon Church policy or even Church teaching. We witness reality. Yet how many times do we read that churchmen from priests to high ranking prelates talk about truth as if it is their private plaything? Naturally the attitude quickly trickles down to an often careless and ignorant press. So we commonly read reports that the Church’s “policy” on gay marriage, for example, may change. Nonsense.
In some ways, we have a similar problem with the phrase “the Church teaches” and “the authority of the Church.” Jesus warns: “But you are not to be called rabbi [teacher], for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. (Mt. 23:8-10) Jesus is the one teacher. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life, and all teaching authority must participate in his teaching. Depart from the truth, and we relinquish our teaching authority. A scientist who deviates from the scientific method and teaches his theories as facts violates his teaching authority. Churchmen who presume that their authority is their own violate their divine mandate. Similarly, all legitimate fatherhood is a participation in the Fatherhood of God. He alone defines the meaning of fatherhood. So an abusive and cruel father relinquishes his right to be called a father. A priest who teaches error to please his parishioners also defiles his spiritual fatherhood.
Of course, it is acceptable to speak of the Church’s teaching authority—and even her policies—provided we understand her role as a faithful witness. But it is increasingly common for senior churchmen to play the part of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. In grasping for an authority that exceeds their competence as a reliable witness, they not only deny reality, they impugn their belief in the Sacraments of forgiveness and healing.
About The Author
Harrison Okafor
editor
Judith is a believer, a lover of Christ and a Gospel freak person. A passionate gospel blogger and press writer. I work with GospelHitsNaija.net Media, no 1 Gospel music platform.
