Salvation Outside the Church? Tracing the History of the Catholic Response, by Rev. Francis A. Sullivan, S.J ignores AG 7 being in accord with the literal interpretation of the dogma and Fr.Leonard Feeney.

Msgr.Stephen Pedone responds to the reports on this blog related to the Diocese of Worcester.

Msgr.Stephen Pedone , Judicial Vicar, Tribunal,Diocese of Worcester USA has recommneded that I read the book Salvation Outside the Church ? by Francis Sullivan S.J.

I have sent him a reply mentioning that the book was contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. It was written by a liberal priest at Boston College who was proved wrong by Dominus Iesus and other Church documents.

Here is my reply sent to him a few days back:

Msgr. Pedone

Praised be Jesus and Our Lady.

I have read it and it is a disapointment.

It was written before Dominus Iesus and Redemptoris Missio.

It ignores AG 7 being in accord with the literal interpretation of the dogma and Fr.Leonard Feeney.

It assumes that LG 16 (invincible ignorance etc) are explicit defacto exceptions to the dogma.

It also assumes that the American Natives before the arrival of the missionaries were saved. This would mean that Catholic Faith and the baptism of water are not the ordinary means of salvation (AG 7) but invincible ignorance.

The Letter of the Holy Office 1949 mentions that there can be non Catholics saved in invincible ignorance etc in 'certain circumstances'. This is definitly not the ordinary means of salvation.

In Christ.

Lionel

On Thu, May 3, 2012 at 5:13 PM, Fr. Stephen Pedone wrote:

Mr. Andres, I suggest you read Salvation Outside the Church? Tracing the History of the Catholic Response, by Rev. Francis A. Sullivan, S.J. Father Sullivan provides an excellent treatment of this matter, scholarly yet very readable. Msgr. Pedone From: Lionel Andrades [mailto:lionelandrades10@gmail.com]