Remaining in the Truth of Christ

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In this volume, five cardinals and four scholars respond to Walter Cardinal Kasper's call for the Church to reconcile "fidelity and mercy" in its approach to civilly remarried, divorced individuals. Contributors include prominent figures such as Cardinals Brandmüller, Burke, Caffarra, De Paolis, Müller, and others. Cardinal Kasper references early Church practices to bolster his argument. However, the contributors, drawing on their extensive knowledge, conclude that both Scripture and the Church Fathers do not support the "toleration" of civil marriages after divorce as proposed by Kasper. They also explore the Eastern Orthodox concept of oikonomia, or "mercy," in relation to remarriage and Eucharistic Communion, highlighting the historical Catholic resistance to such practices. The text reveals significant theological and pastoral challenges posed by this issue within Orthodox traditions. The authors assert that traditional Catholic doctrine, rooted in Jesus' teachings, aligns with genuine mercy and compassion. They emphasize that true "gospel of mercy" can be found through a deeper understanding of Church teachings. As St. John Paul II stated, it is essential for the apostolic ministry to uphold the truth of Christ and guide the faithful towards a mature discernment of faith.