Mystery surrounds the unexpected withdrawal of Cardinal Raymond Burke
as the main speaker at a conference organised by Pro Ecclesia et
Pontifice at Westminster Central Hall on June 18.
The Faith of our
Fathers conferences, which began in 1996, have traditionally attracted
high-profile speakers such as Mother Angela, founder of the Eternal Word
Television Network.
As prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, Cardinal
Burke oversees the administration of justice in the Church. He was to
have spoken on “The Restoration of Church Discipline and
Evangelisation”.
He has long been seen as one of the most outspoken US
bishops and, since his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope
Benedict last November, is one of the highest-placed officials at the
Vatican.
Daphne McLeod, chairman of Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,
said that Cardinal Burke had been informed by “several devout and
faithful people” that his speaking at the conference would be divisive
because Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice “are too outspoken and don’t have
respect for the bishops”.
“We’re whistle-blowers, and we have enemies,” she said.
She
would not say who she thought had issued this warning, but said the
impression was given that if the cardinal speaks, “because he’s so close
to the Pope it’ll look as if he’s speaking for the Pope and attacking
the bishops – which is crazy”, she said.
Cardinal Burke came to
prominence outside the Church during the 2004 American presidential
elections, when he publicly stated that Democratic candidate John Kerry
and other Catholic politicians who supported legalised abortion should
not be allowed to receive the Eucharist.