Yeah, neither can I.
I’ve been happily doing the mom thing, preparing for Thanksgiving, and rather ignoring the blogging stuff when I saw this appear on my Twitter page. https://www.change.org/p/archbishop-christophe-pierre-stop-appointment-of-fr-james-martin-sj-as-archbishop-of-philadelphia
First, a disclaimer, I have zero confirmation on whether this is or is not credible, but I AM NOT WAITING TO FIND OUT! I feel like it’s not, because the most credible rumors up until now were that Bishop McElroy or Cardinal Cupich (which also seems like more of a lateral move so not likely either) were being groomed for this spot. If this latest rumor is indeed being floated, it seems more like a “Trump move.” You know, float something so over the top that it gives them negotiating room, and then we all feel a sense of relief when it’s not Martin. “Whew! Thank goodness it’s only Bishop McElroy and not Fr. Martin!” In reality, another petition should be started to request an Archbishop Chaput-like replacement. After all, we never thought anyone would replace Cardinal George with the then Bishop Cupich and, those of us familiar with him, never thought anyone would be crazy enough to put Bishop McElroy anywhere. So, again, we should take all threats seriously.
Next, why do I say “Cardinal James Martin, SJ?” I say that because, up until Archbishop Chaput, the last people put in that spot have eventually been elevated to cardinal. Sadly, Archbishop Chaput wasn’t elevated before the current regime, so he is the exception, but, likely, whoever lands there will get that hat. Let that sink in a bit. Did you all sign the petition before reading end of this question?
Let’s look at the wording of the petition:
There is a credible report that Fr. James Martin, S.J., is being considered for appointment as Archbishop of Philadelphia. He would replace retiring Archbishop Charles Chaput, who recently found it necessary to warn that Fr. Martin should not be relied upon to accurately present Catholic doctrine on sexuality. Archbishop Chaput issued a statement detailing five points on which Fr. Martin clashes with Church teaching. For example, he says that Fr. Martin “inspires hope that the Church’s teachings on human sexuality can be changed.” http://catholicphilly.com/2019/09/archbishop-chaput-column/father-james-martin-and-catholic-belief/.
After Archbishop Chaput’s warning, other bishops also weighed in: “https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/after-chaput-warning-bishops-weigh-in-on-fr-james-martin-28020. Fr. Martin responded that he never contradicts Church teaching. That might be literally true, but Archbishop Chaput points out that that is not enough: “[T]he point is not to ‘not challenge’ what the Church believes about human sexuality, but to preach and teach it with confidence, joy, and zeal. Biblical truth liberates; it is never a cause for embarrassment.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/after-chaput-warning-bishops-weigh-in-on-fr-james-martin-28020.
It’s not even close to literally true. He’s contradicted Church teaching in writing, in word, often in deed with his promotion of organizations in open opposition to Church teaching, such as New Ways Ministry and Out @ St. Paul. (Two of his favs.) Here’s just a small sampling of Catholic publications who have called out Fr. James Martin, SJ, for heresy, dissent and error, as well as for his smarmy smoke and mirrors routine, using his own words.
https://www.churchmilitant.com/main/generic/fr.-james-martin-sj
https://onemadmomblog.wordpress.com (Just use search box.)
https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2017/10/fr-martin-does-not-actually-say
https://christianrenaissancemovement.com/2017/09/09/the-very-bad-christology-of-fr-james-martin-s-j/
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2017/10/02/fr-james-martin-and-accusations-of-heresy/
https://dwightlongenecker.com/correcting-fr-james-martin/
https://www.crisismagazine.com/2017/perfidious-james-martin-sj
As I said, this is just a few of the Catholic publications who have called out his heresy, dissent, and error. On the other hand, I can come up with three American “Catholic” publications that have NOT called him out for anything: America Magazine, National catholic Reporter, and…and… Nevermind. Guess I can only come up with two. Fr. James Martin, SJ is THE most called out priest in this country. If you’re going to object to the sources against him, make sure you are able to debate the citations given, otherwise it’s just an ad hominem attack and you look stupid.
We need bishops who are clear and strong teachers of the whole of the Catholic Faith. There is a trend to appoint to major sees in the U.S. men who are supporters of the homosexual agenda, such as Cardinal Cupich in Chicago and Cardinal Tobin in Newark. Can anyone doubt that an Archbishop Martin in Philadelphia would follow their lead and very soon be given the red hat that was denied to Archbishop Chaput?
Truth is loving. Cardinals Cupich, Tobin, Bishop McElroy, etc. are ambiguous at best and deceitful at worst. They’re denying the faithful the beauty of the Church’s teaching on sexuality.
Sign this petition and tell the papal nuncio, Archbishop Pierre, who is reported to be collecting references on Fr. Martin, that his appointment would be intolerable. Tell him we want worthy shepherds who will be leaders in teaching and practicing the fullness of Catholicism, not more men who will obfuscate and obscure and avoid the inconvenient truths.
Please do. Wild rumor or not, we shouldn’t wait until the ink is dry to respond to this insane idea. And, petition writers, you might also want to get one going expressing your dismay that Cardinal Cupich or Bishop McElroy would be in the running.
Finally, not only should you sign the petition, you should contact the nuncio directly and let him know that if he’s going to suggest any of these gentlemen, he’s going to have a HUGE headache dealing with the aftermath of that appointment. This appointment likely could be THE final straw.
Archbishop Christophe Pierre
Apostolic Nunciature in the United States of America
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008-3610
Phone: 202-333-7121
Fax: 202-337-4036
nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org
One Mad Mom 
Heaven help us all if he gets promoted. I signed the petition. The Church needs people like him like it needs a hole in the head.
I want to see good, solid priests who uphold Catholic teaching not grandstanding novelty acts. People like Fr Martin do nothing to help the people they think they are supporting. He is promoting an ideology that ignores the real issues and he is doing a lot of harm.
Christus vincit!
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The idea of Fr Jimmy getting the Philly see and a red hat is just so over-the-top crazy that my gut tells me that there’s absolutely no truth to it. Someone is trolling someone. If this turned out to be true, it’d mark a return to a sort of late-Roman-Empire practices wherein the Emperor would name his horse as a Senator, i.e., an in-your-face ridiculous appointment simply intended as a display of raw power and contempt for the peons. At the same time, it’s been noted that Pope Francis’ modus operandi is to punish his perceived enemies and reward his friends. And let’s face it, no segment is cheerleading more for Pope Francis and than the gay lobby within the Church. I’m not just talking about the priests, bishops and cardinals with that orientation, but also the laity. We have a situation now where there are folks like gay teachers at Catholic high schools who have emerged as among the most gung-ho members of Team Francis on twitter. It’s very sad, as it boils down to one thing… they truly believe that they’ve got a pope who can square the circle for them and reconcile homosexual acts with being a good Catholic. Ultimately, it’s a false hope for them but they cling to it. And there’s little doubt that Pope Francis is aware (and appreciative) of their loyalty (witness the Fr Jimmy audience a few weeks ago).
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But did you sign petition?
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No, I haven’t signed it yet. I certainly agree with the wording and I may sign. But I’ve signed so many Catholic petitions over the past half-dozen years (e.g., answer the Dubia, support Cardinal Burke, don’t compromise doctrine and the Sacraments, etc etc) and essentially none of those petitions has done a lick of good. I sort of wonder if maybe this sort of thing has actually been counter-productive… like they’re sitting in Rome thinking…. “Oh, so those conservative Americans think they can tell us what to do with their little petitions, do they? We’ll show them and do just the opposite!” We even have had Pope Francis openly poo-poo various open letters that have been directed him, saying something to the effect that they’re signed by a “bunch of nobodies,” which is tremendously hurtful as I thought that all Catholics (indeed all human beings) have dignity and worthiness and there are no “nobodies.” At least that’s what I thought.
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Personal letter always best but petition better than nothing! Plus, the amount of sigs allows bigger names to apply pressure.
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Could it be an a as I dread of a horse?
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I agree. I have signed a lot of petitions this year and while it feels like each of my signatures are a drop in the ocean and are ignored (which some of them are), I have had the satisfaction of actually seeing some of them actually work. I signed the open letter from the Catholic Women’s Forum that Pope Francis completely ignored but I will keep on signing them anyway. If it is the only way our voice can be heard, then what is there to loose? One Mad Mom is correct – a personal letter is best but not always possible. I live in NZ and we are currently facing the possible introduction of euthanasia. I wrote a submission over a year ago along with thousands of others opposing it. The Bill passed its second reading which means it can go into law despite the overwhelming response. We are not being listened to. It was the same with the Same Sex Marriage Bill a few years ago. Now there is also radical abortion and legalisation of cannabis on the table as well. Just before the second reading of the euthanasia Bill, everyone in NZ was urged to write to MPs who were voting yes to encourage them to change their minds. There was very little time but the response was amazing. I simply wrote one email and sent it to every MP who was voting yes including the Prime Minister (the same one who shot to international fame for her “compassion” shown to the victims of the Christchurch shootings and cuddled children in a Muslim kindergarten.) Still they voted Yes to euthanasia BUT… the issue is going to a national referendum next year.
I’m only a little person, a housewife and mother with a part time job that pays very little. One of those MPs wrote back to me saying he would not change his mind so my response was to say to him, “While it is your democratic right to support the Bill, I exercise my right to oppose it and have my voice heard. And I will keep on opposing it.” And that is what we have to do. And keep on doing it. It is our duty. Remember what Jesus said about forgiveness – forgiving 70 times 7. We have to keep on speaking 70 times 7 because sooner or later, somebody has got to listen. That is our democratic right.
Father Martin has an influence in this country too. The idea of him ever possibly becoming archbishop or anything else sticks in my throat. Pray for his conversion. Petitions are better than nothing and sometimes they do work.
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We just need to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Petitions, letters, I’ve still got a few never been tried but cost money ideas myself. Seriously, don’t let the devil tell you that nothing will work. Be creative, innovative and don’t let up. I can’t get into my personal background but I’ve seen some people who would be considered nobodies bring about huge change. Say a prayer and do something.
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I hope you never suffer the unremitting pain that some people feel due to their disease which makes them seek euthanasia. While most don’t look to euthanasia, for someone who is going to die, what is the benefit of living their last days in tremendous pain? Does it help their family to watch them suffer? I’m asking this question in all seriousness. Why would God choose to have one person live this way and not another? For a higher seat in heaven? No thanks.
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TA, again, you’re commenting on a Catholic site where most readers believe suffering has merit as Christ actually taught and foretold. Yes, it does help the family, the person dying, etc, Is it a pleasant experience, of course not but when we patiently bear it, or bear it as patiently as we can, our reward is great. Refresh my memory. Do you believe in the afterlife?
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Yes I do. So are you saying that those who suffer more in death get a better afterlife? I guess I hope I don’t go by a catastrophic heart attack. It would be too quick and very little suffering. I do admit that your thinking is a great way to justify suffering. I sure hope God isn’t so petty.
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Well there are scriptures references to the many rooms but no, that’s not where i was headed. Personally, i just want to get to heaven (worst room in the joint is fine) and we know that picking up your cross is the fastest way to get there. And Catholics believe in the words of the saints, so… And, because we believe in the Body of Christ, we know our suffering can be meritorious for others as well as ourselves and, in the opposite way, our sin affects all.
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And nothing more petty than making God in our own personally image rather than what He and his saints tell us.
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I’m watching a dear friend, 54, die from Stage IV melanoma. She is a breast oncologist who has saved many lives. Her pain isn’t helping anyone, especially her youngest, a 17 year old son, who has watched her slowly transition to not being able to walk. She is a believer and goes to Mass every week. She doesn’t think she can go tomorrow because of the pain. I’m pretty sure God doesn’t want her son traumatized for the rest of his life just so that she can get into a better room in heaven. As someone at the age of 14, who watched her father die in pain, it’s not an experience I’d recommend for anyone. I certainly didn’t learn anything from it. Again, if God is that petty, I’d rather believe in something else and “live” with he consequences.
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I watched my grandmother who raised me suffer and die for 7 years when I was 17. It did not effect me negatively. I also watched my Dad and two sister in laws die from cancer. We all have suffering .
God allowed his own Son to suffer and die to save us. If we have faith we understand why suffering is so powerful. I would much rather suffer now here in this world . You can helpsave many souls if you unite your sufferings to Jesus’ suffering and death.
I would suggest you sit down and watch the Passion of the Christ movie. Also read Dr Victor Frankl “Man’s search for meaning”
I am sorry for your friend and her family. Suffering in this life is one of the hardest teachings of the Church to understand. Today take a crucifix and hold it in your hand and pray for the gift of faith and understanding. Also read up on the life of St Therese of Liseux.
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I’m glad you know the mind of God so well you can ignore all He has said. Also, you seemed to have missed, once again, the death on the cross. Just accept you do not believe as we do and move on. It’s silly to debate a faith you do not have. And i really hope that you are not trying to thwart your friend’s faith by telling her what her suffering is and is not doing for her son.
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And, btw, the point is you won’t live and everlasting life by rejecting God. You haven’t been able to fathom everlasting life. Death and suffering in this earthly life will always make you bitter. For the rest of us, it gives us hope.
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Oh, and you might want to read the Ordinary Form Gospel for today and decide which role you’re playing.
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OMM I was thinking the same thing during the Gospel this morning!
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Go away…We are not talking about euthanasia
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Why would God allow his only Son suffer and die???
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To save the rest of us from suffering. Michelle, I’m pretty sure you didn’t mean for your comment about your grandmother to come off the way it did. I can’t imagine anyone not being impacted by watching someone close to them, suffer. OMM, I haven’t rejected God, just your version of God.
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God doesn’t have versions. He is.
He sent his only begotten Son. Whom he allowed to be tortured and crucified to save us from the fires of Hell. He did not stop it from happening even though Our Dear Lord Jesus prayed to him” Father take this cup from me”
Jesus was asking his Heavenly Father to spare him the tortures he was about to face but God allowed it. What if someone intervened and stopped Jesus’ Crucifixion?
What would have happened?
Watching my dear grandmother suffer and die taught me about the purpose of our sufferings. We are to unite them to Our Lord’s and to Our Lady at the foot of The Cross. It is a hard truth to accept.
I have witnessed conversions and the greatest ones are born out of great suffering. It is redemptive.
That young man will be strengthened by suffering with his dying mother. God will never abandon him. The family needs to lean on God and ask for grace to suffer through this darkness because life is eternal. We choose where we end up by our love and obedience to God. We cant have God on our terms!! It doesn’t work that way, that is not faith.
I will pray for you. I suggest you speak with a holy priest and spend some time before the Blessed Sacraments.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
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What in the what, TA? Like the apostles? Like the saints? Where in the world did you get that idea? When Christ said “Unless you pick up your cross…?” It’s not even a biblical misread it’s a biblical reinvention to say that Christ came to save us from suffering. BTW, I don’t have a personal version of God. I have the same version as the Church HE founded to keep us all from the errors you’ve embraced wholeheartedly. Yes, we all sin but some of us admit that. We don’t try to make teachings run around our wishes. Like I said, you’ve created a god that mirrors you rather than a God who is.
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Cursory search of teachings on suffering 101:
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
1 Peter 4:1
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
1 Peter 3:14
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
Philippians 1:29
He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:38
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Philippians 3:10
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:5
Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
Job 5:17 (Not NT but still rings true there.)
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O.M.M, Thank you for your zeal on this matter. I think we’re all rightly horrified at the idea of Fr. Martin playing more of a role than he already does in the Church, and we are rightly eager to prevent him.
I’d just like to be a splash of cold water on this.
The Church Hierarchy is not a democracy, so the petition is useful insofar as it broadcasts the preferences of the laity, but it’s important to remember that either accepting or rejecting Fr. Martin as Archbishop doesn’t say anything about the power of the laity to influence things. In other words: If they reject Fr. Martin, it will be for whatever reasons they chose to reject him, and not because the Laity spoke up, because they have no obligation to bend to mass uproar. If they accept Fr. Martin, it will be for whatever reasons they chose to accept him, and not a rejection of the Laity, because they have no obligation to bend to mass uproar.
They DO have an obligation to investigate him, as they do with all new bishops, and get personal and clerical references. If the institution is in as bad shape as we think it is, it’s unlikely that will be a barrier to the process.
All that being said, this is a no lose situation, in my opinion.
Lets say Fr. Martin is rejected. That’s good! Someone, somewhere, still has half a brain and is using it to the fullest possible extent. Whatever their reasons, they chose not to appoint him. That tells us that things aren’t quite as far gone as they seem.
Let’s say Fr. Martin is accepted and appointed as Archbishop. Well, things accelerate towards the end, or as my friend likes to say, “Worse is better”. The restoration of the Church is hastened by these continued offenses, and perhaps appointing an unrepentant homosexualist as Archbishop is enough to shake some people loose. As Fr. Z quipped the other day, Pope Francis is an excellent salesman for the TLM; how much better would Fr. Martin be?
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I’d agree it’s not a democracy but you can’t believe what a few “annoying ants at the picnic” can do. I’ve seen people who could barely get along much less manage technology change their dioceses for the better. Just need to keep on keeping on and say a little prayer to the Holy Spirit for some inspiration and miracles can occur.
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The appointment of James Martin would be a sign of the Second Coming. What a wacky idea on the part of the troller who originally posted this.
God forbid and forfend! Petitions go nowhere in Rome, Vox populi, Vox neglecta.
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Thank you MadMom. I live in Philadelphia and am dreading what awaits us after Archbishop Chaput leaves. I personally don’t believe change dot org petitions matter to thugs like antipope Bergoglio and his toadies, but I am proud to sign my name here to publically express that Martin is unacceptable. Please everyone pray for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and for Archbishop Chaput.
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Pray like everything depends on God and act like everything depends on you! Remember, everyone assumed AB Chaput would be gone 30 seconds after his letter went in. Seems like he’s still there!
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James I am in Philly too!! We will miss Archbishop Chaput. He is a great leader.
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Petition all you want; they mean nothing to the homosexualists. Nor to the pope for that matter. They have their agenda; it is not a Catholic one and they are moving forward. God help us.
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True, but we have to speak up, confront them and not be shy about it. In time, the triumph of the Immaculate Heart will occur and there won’t be any priests like Martin, Cupich and Bergoglio. Until then, we have to push back against them and their satanic agenda, and do our best to convert as many souls as possible. Things will get worse before they get better and we could be in for something as bad as the French Revolution. If I have to suffer the fate of the Vendeeans, so be it. Death to freemasonry; Christ the King now and forever!
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Viva Cristo Rey!!
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They care about the level of headache they will have if they make a bad choice. That’s what petitions and letter writing show. They won’t make the choice based on what we want, just how it affects them. They need to know it will be painful to make a choice like Martin or McElroy.
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OK, OMM…Totally FREAKING me out on the title!!!!!!
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Sorry. Mini heart-attacks for all!
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LOL
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I am trying to imagine what Jesus will call James Martin when He calls him home. Hopefully, ‘repentant sinner.’
To OMM and to all here: God bless and keep y’all and all your families happy and safe in this Thanksgiving season. This applies to all y’all:
https://www.catholicstand.com/only-you-you-alone-can-do-this-good/. And this Thursday, in chorus, we can say Deo Gratias for OMM. Guy, Texas
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