Catholicism is only path to salvation, says pope
-Courier & Press headline from July 11
Unfortunately, this is not at all what was said. This statement and the following article has caused much confusion and anger both within and without the Catholic Church in Southwest Indiana. Most unfortunate is that it has caused faith-filled, holy people to wonder about their faith and its leader. Here are several links to the official document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, articles, responses and homilies. Please feel free to direct friends and family to this website to help clarify what our beloved Church really believes in and teaches.
Evansville Courier & Press Article – The article was taken from the Associated Press
Zenit Article – ZENIT is a non-profit international news agency comprising a team of professionals and volunteers who are convinced of the extraordinary richness of the Catholic Church's message, particularly its social doctrine. The ZENIT team sees this message as a light for understanding today's world.
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH - RESPONSES TO SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE DOCTRINE ON THE CHURCH– This is the document that was misrepresented in the Courier & Press article. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is an administrative department of the Holy See with delegated authority over questions of the faith.
National Council of Churches View– The National Council of Churches is an organization of over 100,000 congregations within the United States who are open and dedicated to ecumenical discussion and cooperation. (First part of the article is pertinent to the topic)
Taking the Time to Make a Difference – Mr. Paul Leingang is also the editor of the local diocesan newspaper The Message and runs a regular, weekly column.
Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger’s response – Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger is the bishop of the Diocese of Evansville, IN and wrote the following in his regular weekly column, Bishop’s Forum, for The Message.Bishops Forum
Fr. Alex Zenthoefer’s July 14 & 15 Homily – Fr. Alex Zenthoefer is the Associate Pastor of St. Theresa and St. Joseph parishes in Evansville, IN.
Letter to the Editor – Mr. Paul Leingang is the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Evansville