The Catholic Church is taking steps to prevent LDS Church members from performing baptisms for Catholics, after their deaths, and Catholic Bishop John Wester explains the church’s decision.The order was issued in a letter by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy.
The Vatican’s directive calls the LDS practice of baptisms for the dead a “detrimental” practice and it directs each Catholic Bishop to “not co-operate with the erroneous practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.”
Bishop John Wester told 2NEWS’ Brian Mullahy that he views the letter as an “internal” document and that the purpose is to protect catholic records.
“I do think it’s important for people not to jump to conclusions,” said Bishop Wester. “It’s simply reminding us that our sacramental records are supposed to be preserved, taken care of and that they’re supposed to be kept confidential.”
But Father James Massa, of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops went further, saying, “As Catholics, we have to make very clear to them (LDS Church) their practice of so-called rebaptism is unacceptable from the standpoint of catholic truth.”
“I understand what Frather Massa is saying,” said Bishop Wester. “What he says is true, the Catholic and LDS Churches have two distinct theologies of baptism. We know that. We’ve always known that.”
The LDS practice of baptisms for the dead has also been condemned by Jewish groups who say that names of Holocaust victims are still in LDS genealogical database for unwelcome baptisms.
Like Jewish leaders in past, Bishop Wester met with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for a respectful conversation.
Bishop Wester says he wants to make sure that it is understood that the Vatican letter is not an attack on the LDS church and despite doctrinal differences; the two faiths can still live together peacefully, without straining relationships.
“Even though we have different theologies, we have found many ways to work together, we respect each other, we acknowledge the values we hold in common. That hasn’t changed,” said Bishop Wester.
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