The church's moral authority
published: Friday | February 24, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

TONY DEYAL, in Tuesday's Gleaner, February 21, (Section D) in the article entitled Wendy's big do, wrote: "The Catholic Church has lost any moral authority it might have had and should refrain from pointing fingers or any other body part at anyone."

I have often wondered if as human beings, when we fail to uphold and, indeed, live out that set of ideals that we are called to as Christians, if it is that we in turn lose our moral authority? Is it not that the ideals to which we subscribe as Christians, as revealed through sacred Scripture, independent of whatever acts we might engage in that are contradictory to those ideals, don't relinquish our ability to exercise moral judgement?

If the Church, therefore, speaks with the voice of Christ, how can it lose its moral authority on account of its ministers having engaged in activities that are contrary to their calling? Certainly it's understandable that one could conclude such, as if we are to be true ambassadors for Christ then we ought to live up to the ideals which we have accepted. On the other hand, Christ's nature was both divine and human, and while he lived on earth like man and was tempted, he yielded not to temptation. Yet as human beings we fail to acknowledge there is a constant struggle between the spiritual and the flesh, and while we strive to live according to the spirit, the flesh at times in our moments of weakness 'triumphs'. The Christian ought to be held accountable, but it would be sad indeed, if the Church were to lose its moral authority, one that does not reside in mere man, but the Head, who is Christ Jesus.

I am, etc.,

FABIAN E. SANCHEZ

emelio12@hotmail.com