The latest decrees by Pope Benedict XVI have caused a worldwide stir among other faiths.Critics claim the papacy is returning to the days of exclusivity, as one of the edicts reaffirms to the Catholic faithful that Catholicism is the only true religion as no other denominations can trace their bishops back to the apostles.
The Mass of the Council of Trent, the Gregorian mass suspended following Vatican II, has been reinstated.
Father Andrew Hamilton from the Jesuit Theological College in Melbourne read the new edicts with interest.
"I was a little surprised by the document. I didn't see any great need for it at the moment. However, it's not as drastic as made out and doesn't say other churches don't belong. But you might say other denominations are not the full church. It's the difference between the fullness the Catholic Church has compared with other religions who share in what each other have."
While Father Hamilton can see how other faiths could take offence at the announcements released last week, he reiterates, "The documents speak in the language of Catholic theology, which is addressed specifically to Catholics. The difficulty nowadays is that any document that comes from Rome does reach a far wider audience than just a Catholic one.
As for claims of exclusivity, “…while the papacy must stress what is important for Catholics, it is imperative that all other churches are not made out to be brands on a shelf. It's not helpful when comments are put out there that will inevitably lead to misunderstanding."
According to Father Hamilton "…there is a problem in communication…" coming out of the offices of the Vatican.
Whereas Vatican II was concerned in reaching out to other churches and the wider world, at the moment, the Catholic Church, like a lot of other churches, are focused on identity.
The Jesuit theologian believes there is nothing new in the announcement from Pope Benedict XVI. "Essentially it repeats and reaffirms what has already been stated; however there are instances where it takes a stronger stance in some areas. The latest statements may have been said in a different context, but we're in a very different world now than the world of Vatican II."
Could this be seen as a reversal from the Vatican II?
"I don't see that in either of these two moves. There is certainly a change in atmosphere. Whereas Vatican II was concerned in reaching out to other churches and the wider world, at the moment, the Catholic Church, like a lot of other churches, are focused on identity. There's an anxiety the heart of the Church is being lost in the secularism of our contemporary world."
Father Hamilton suspects Pope Benedict hopes to "…create stronger lines and boundaries, by comparing how we differ, more so than what we have in common with other religions and good people in society."
In future Vatican announcements, Father Hamilton would like to see an attempt to re-engage with other Christian faiths, while highlighting differences in a positive way.
"Well, the first thing is to encourage everybody who believes in Christ, which is the heart of Christianity, to live well and confidently. That is the heart of the gospel, and I think Pope Benedict does that very well in his addresses."
As for trying to bridge what might be construed as a slight chasm appearing between Catholicism and opposing faiths, the Jesuit theologian suggests future dialogue should contain "…a language that shares what is common between Catholics and other denominations, while maintaining what's important to Catholics and the fullness that is found within the church."
In relation to the Latin Mass suggested by the Holy See, the Jesuit theologian thinks Pope Benedict's personal beliefs are a driving force behind the document.
"I think the Pope regretted the Gregorian Mass - practised up until Vatican II - was taken off the books, so to speak. He would have said the mass should have been left open [to deliver], without cutting it altogether. Pope Benedict wants to win back those parishioners alienated from the church when the mass was taken away. That's the desire behind the move."
It has been over 40 years since the Mass of the Council of Trent was stopped and many of the clergy would not know how to undertake the sermon. A massive education program would have to take place if the papacy was serious about reintroducing the mass.
"If you really wanted to do it, I suppose you could recall all the clergy to study Latin, and run a huge number of study programs for lay people." But, he adds, "...it could be done, but that would be harder than solving global warming, I'd imagine."
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