Wow. This is truly unbelievable.
This is a video by the Rev. Joseph Patrick Breen, pastor of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Nashville TN. This video is posted by the pastor on the parish website.
In this video Fr. Breen, as communicated to us by a reader commits multiple counts of video heresy and hits most of the heretical bases.
Women’s ordination – Check!
Reversal of the Church’s teaching on artificial contraception – Check!
Divorce – Check!
He then goes on to slam (married) former Protestant clergy who convert and are ordained Catholic clergy,
He shows open disdain and insults the Pope, the Roman Curia, today’s bishops, today’s seminarians. About the seminarians he says they are intellectually inferior to those of yesteryear and are probably from dysfunctional families.
And there is even more! Watch!
As it turns out, Fr. Breen is a serial offender and a promise breaker.
Back in 1993, Fr. Breen disseminated a letter covering much of the same territory. He was sanctioned at the time by his Bishop, Bp. Edward Kmiec ordering him not to speak publicly about “optional celibacy or other issues involving church teachings or discipline.” Bishop Kmiec went so far as to have Fr. Breen sign a pledge that he would not speak again to the media or media representatives.
So much for promises.
In 2006, Fr. Breen sent a letter to Cardinal William Levada – who he addresses as Cardinal Bill, once again covering much of the same heretical territory.
It is time for Fr. Breen to go.
If you are interested, you can reach Fr. Breen’s Bishop here and let him know what you think of Fr. Breen’s statement.
The Most Reverend David R. Choby
Bishop of Nashville
The Catholic Center
2400 Twenty-first Avenue South
Nashville, TN. 37212
Bishop@dioceseofnashville.com
Update: Father Breen Retracts Statements — Saves Job
Update: As of Sunday August 9, 2010. Fr. Breen’s heretical video has been removed from the parish website! That’s a start!
August 11, 2010 at 8:36 pm
To a Nashville Resident..
No, birth control is not a sin – especially if using the very logic you have employed. Maybe God worked through man and medicine to allow this a a tool for us?
Also, we can continue to disagree about faith in man. I will never put my faith in sinful man. No one deserves my faith but the Lord and HIm alone.
Proverbs 20:6 (King James Version)
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
August 11, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Another Nashville resident.. wishes to say to: "A Nashville Resident" above…who said… "merely pointing out that we are obedient to the Holy Scriptures, yet the books of the Bible were first written by men though God. After that, these same Books were selected by men through the Holy Spirit."
Men? What men? Well nobody knows because they were written and rewritten so many times no one can ever figure it out. But we suppose it was inspired by God because those guys, long, long ago said so. But, as Catholics we don't believe most of what they had to say because they verbalized it for hundreds of years before they got out their stone legal pads and started jotting it all down. I guess God doesn't bother to tell us what to write what is right in the 21st century. I often wish He would get out His Ipod and twitter us every now and then. Then again, there are a few folks that claim that is exactly what He does every day. Check your email lately?
August 11, 2010 at 8:57 pm
In my church, a profession of faith is all that is needed to join the church. It's that simple.
And, so the debate continues:
Catholic or Protestant?
conservative Catholic or liberal Catholic?
Truth or Untruth?
What is the truth? What the Catholic Church says? Or, what we know Jesus asked of us?
Or, where one's informed consciousness leads them?
These things have been debated for centuries, and all sides have been found to be wrong at some point in history.
A minister explained it this way to me once and it makes wonderful sense. Catholics believe one must go through the church to get to Christ. Most Protestant churches teach that one goes through Christ to get to the church.
So, wherever your personal beliefs lie will be the way you lean. Personally, I have noticed in most "conversion" testimonials (whether C to P, or P to C) people were missing something in their church, worship service or life and "found" the Spirit in another church.
I tend to believe that a person with a more analytical type of personality will like the structure of a Mass and the emphasis being placed on the Eucharist, while someone who may be more extroverted might prefer attending a worship service where a pastor's message, upbeat music and fellowship is the focus.
Whatever your personality, whatever your preference…Your truth is your version of the truth, whether your truth is based on your own interpretation of the Bible, what you were taught in Sunday School, what your parents shared with you, or what the Catechism states.
All of these things have been argued for centuries, and I don't see us clearing this up on this forum, especially since it appears the base of this website is so traditionalist. And, why has this been debated for centuries? Mainly because someone needs to feel "right".
What if, what if, what if…we are all wrong?
I do, however, think I got this one right. God did create "one" church. And, it's not Catholic, it's not Protestant. It's the CHRISTians. Whether or not conservative Catholics will admit it, all the Protestant churches are part of the Catholic church. We are the "red-headed" step-child at the dinner table, but we are as much a part of the Christian community as an individual who was born a Catholic and has never missed a Mass.
I'm not even Catholic, but I believe Vatican II made that assertion.
One last observation:
Notice how a traditionalist always has to answer any posts supporting Father Breen's comments. I learned a long time ago, the one who speaks last is not always right.
Christ taught us that we are strongest when we offer the least resistance. If we that support Father Breen's statements stop posting, those who oppose him will not feel the need to answer.
That's why I'm finished following this thread. Goodbye. Peace be with you all…Catholic, Protestant, conservative, liberal, red-hair, no hair.
August 11, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I agree with Jeff above.
We are all Christians.
Are we going to finally get our crap together? Or, are we going to continue to argue amongst ourselves about who is "worthy" of entering Heaven to the point that we cease to be effective in our communities, which is where our faith and service is needed most?
If we don't find some common ground, I fear we will look around in the not so distant future and find ourselves a predominantly Muslim nation. And, they will be laughing because they slipped in the back door and moved into our house while we Christians were on the front porch arguing with one another.
August 11, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Bobby, my fellow Nashville Resident. You're right, I only know that some men wrote the divinely inspired Word of God because some other men said that they did and yet more men said that it was divinely inspired! They passed it down and they passed it down, and then when certain heresies began to crop a little after 150 AD some guy said: "Hey! We need to make this official!" So, lots of men-bishops in fact-got together and said, "what will be the table of contents for our readings at Mass"? The councils disagreed. It took a long time until finally the last group of men got together and decided on the books at the Council of Rome in 382 AD. I mean, maybe it's too easy in the 21st century. Imagine how the process would go now with instant text messaging: "These R the Books, K?" "K. Tnx." Over.
I'm still waiting on that e-mail straight from God.
Also, deelew, (as to birth control) my logic does not extend thus. I am speaking about divine inspiration on matters of faith. Yours is a vacuous argument (Did God work through man and technology to create… nuclear bombs, crack cocaine, RU 486?) Again, read the story of Onan, Theology of the Body, Humanae Vitae, etc. Read Aristotle, even. That's where I started. Good aims and good intentions do not make good tools. My husband and I have lived a joyful life without birth control.
Also, you have faith in men, you just don't recognize it as such. If you have faith that the Holy Scriptures are indeed the Holy Scriptures, you have faith that certain men are right. The egg hasn't swallowed the chicken.
Also, my dear friend Jeff,
You echo Pontius Pilot in John 18:38. Jesus answered that question in John 14:6. Jesus didn't say "I am the truth to some people" or "I appear to be the truth." He said "I am the truth."
August 12, 2010 at 3:36 am
Fr Breen is but one among a plethora of heretical post-conciliar prebyters (and their postmodernist bishops) who behave & speak as they are – de facto schismatics who have no right to wear Roman Catholic clerical dress. They are aided and abetted by a hierarchy which is essentially little better.
August 12, 2010 at 5:03 am
GO FATHER BREEN!!! As many of you that have posted can see, the "church" has lost it's power. The Christian faith that was once based on the truth has fallen into the hands on pompous leaders that have not conducted the church in a proper manner. Those that think you are going to be in Gods house by following the current teachings of the church may be mistaken. Biblical teachings state the CHRIST ALONE, FAITH ALONE and SCRIPTURE ALONE. Some of the "church's traditions” are not part of the biblical teachings on the bible. Just because Rome comes up with a new church law or tradition does not make it right. If you will remember several traditions were disregarded and changed during Vatican II. How can that be the Protestants ask… The church changing there mind? As time changes so will the church. Keep worshiping and genuflecting all you want with the current traditions… I will put my faith in Christ knowing only by the grace of God I are saved. Not by communion or repenting to a priest. Remember we have a direct link to god and a priest is a man just like us and is no closer to God than we are.
August 12, 2010 at 5:09 am
Same person as last post!!
And Yes I know Father Breen Personally
August 12, 2010 at 5:22 pm
"As many of you that have posted can see, the "church" has lost it's power."
What exactly do you mean by this? Jesus told us that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. The Church is presently being purified and this is good. It has not lost its power.
"The Christian faith that was once based on the truth has fallen into the hands on pompous leaders that have not conducted the church in a proper manner."
This is painting with a broad brush. It is a generalization. One should be specific and name which leaders and in which improper manner they have conducted themselves. Be specific. The Church is still based on Truth. Some Church members have gone astray, but the truth of the Church has not changed.
"Biblical teachings state the CHRIST ALONE, FAITH ALONE and SCRIPTURE ALONE."
I see that you are not a Catholic. I wonder where in Scripture it says any of those things? By the way, do you know what the Bible teaches is the "pillar and foundation" of truth for believers?
"Some of the "church's traditions” are not part of the biblical teachings on the bible. Just because Rome comes up with a new church law or tradition does not make it right. If you will remember several traditions were disregarded and changed during Vatican II. How can that be the Protestants ask… The church changing there (sic) mind?"
You don't seem to understand the difference between the oral Tradition handed down by the Apostles and other types of tradition. The basic teaching of the Church has never changed.
We will definitely continue worshiping our awesome God. We will also thank Him and make use of the sacramental gifts He has bestowed upon us. They are very powerful and help us in our journey as Catholics(Christians). They enrich our lives in beautiful ways and protect us.
"GO FATHER BREEN!!!"
I also say Go Fr. Breen….to confession and humbly submit to the Teaching Magisterium of the Church. You have a lot to offer. Do not let the Tempter lead you astray.
May God grant much wisdom, discernment and courage to the leaders of the Diocese of Nashville!
Kathy M
August 12, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Nashville Resident,
I guess Jeff is right about you needing the last word.
Nowhere in Jeff's comments did he deny that JESUS is the TRUTH. He only pointed out that the TRUTH is not always found in the Catholic church. Jesus said "I" am the way and the truth, not "Catholic tradition" is the way and the truth.
It's all about our Lord, which is the same thing Father Breen is saying.
August 12, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Jesus founded the Church. Again, what does the Bible say is the pillar and foundation of truth for the believer, Michael?
Kathy M
August 13, 2010 at 1:05 am
Hmmm… lots of interesting dialog amongst those of varying beliefs. I think Fr. Breen would be pleased.
August 13, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I can't read all the comments, but several from Anonymous commenters are to the effect that: The parishes and Catholic schools in Middle TN are dens of heresy.
This is absolutely NOT true. It is not true of either parish that I attend regularly, not true of my spiritual advisor (a priest), not true of our parish school, and certainly not true of our bishop.
It's a terrible thing to make a sweeping statement like that. If your experience was St. Edwards, where Fr. Breen unfortunately is infamous, and Fr. Ryan HS, then you've been in a few less than desirable places. Do not make the rest of us out to be in league with those two institutions.
August 13, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I've heard he is a good bishop. Even good bishop's have a few errant pastors they try to keep in line. Here in Denver, we have wonderful archbishop, and I KNOW there are a few Fr Breen types also…they are not as outspoken as he is, but there they are. I think the bishop just tries to keep them under control.
August 14, 2010 at 3:44 am
To previous post…
Ahhhh, yes, control. Just the way the Catholic church likes it. Power by controlling the actions (and, apparently, thoughts) of those within it.
Following Jesus by being controlled. Has such a nice ring to it, doesn't it? *Please note sarcasm here.
August 14, 2010 at 8:30 am
To one of the anonymous "Nashville" posters—
you said "And if supporting him means that I'm going to hell (ha ha ha) then I guess I'll be in good company."
I felt such overwhelming sadness when I read how casually you toss out the idea of spending eternity separated from our Precious Lord. Your glee at spending it in "good company" should give you and the rest of Fr. Breen's supporters pause. That you do not fear hell completely sums up the reason so many good people have taken the time to try to explain to you all why you must, MUST educate yourselves about why Ft. Breen is so seriously incorrect.
Just consider this from the Catechism of the Catholic Church..please…
Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense.
Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized. It prompted our Lord to utter this curse: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."86 Scandal is grave when given by those who by nature or office are obliged to teach and educate others. Jesus reproaches the scribes and Pharisees on this account: he likens them to wolves in sheep's clothing.87
Scandal can be provoked by laws or institutions, by fashion or opinion.
Therefore, they are guilty of scandal who establish laws or social structures leading to the decline of morals and the corruption of religious practice, or to "social conditions that, intentionally or not, make Christian conduct and obedience to the Commandments difficult and practically impossible."88 This is also true of business leaders who make rules encouraging fraud, teachers who provoke their children to anger,89 or manipulators of public opinion who turn it away from moral values.
Anyone who uses the power at his disposal in such a way that it leads others to do wrong becomes guilty of scandal and responsible for the evil that he has directly or indirectly encouraged. "Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come
CCC 2284-2287
Please, if you all love Fr. Breen as much as you say you do, then help him to understand how much danger he has placed himself AND the people of his parish in with his persistent defiance of the teachings of our faith.
August 14, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I do not understand many of these responses. Fr. Breen was asked why fall-away Catholics made up the second-largest denomination and he responded by giving answers that are based on actual fact that you would probably get from any survey or basic understanding of historical trends in the church. The same goes for the comments about aging priests, bishops with little power, bishops afraid to speak up and the lower overall academic excellence in seminarians. This is all fact, what we do with the facts is a completely different matter. I admire that Fr. Breen wants to reach out to fall-away Catholics.
August 14, 2010 at 4:17 pm
You people proclaim yourselves as christens and you are trying to destroy another human being. How many of you really know this man? He is the most compassionate person I have ever known.His whole life is the Catholic Church.He loves the human race. Most of us cannot say that.He is truly a christen man.I have known him for many years it has bee a privilege. AVa
August 15, 2010 at 7:56 am
I do know this man. He is a heretic. He has helped poor people, but I have been in Mass when he said, "I got orders in Rome to change some of the Mass, and those people have nothing better to do and I am not doing it." He was referring to when the Eucharistic Ministers were told they could no longer be on the altar during the Consecration. To this day he pays no attention and is EXTREMELY disrespectful to the Vatacan. He totally skips the Novus Ordo where the Priest is supposed to say; Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is barely recognizable as a Catholic Mass. He stated at an ALL SCHOOL Mass, that gays should be able to get married. He stated at Mass who we should vote for (which could lose him tax exempt status). He married two of my divorced friends when they had no annulment. He only hangs pictures of himself in the school. He has no respect for anyone who is trying to follow church teaching. He also has made it known that pre-marital sex is fine. How would you like to have your child listening to that? The Bishop needs to stop it. Now he has a new facebook page asking for support; http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=116296705087454&topic=64#!/group.php?gid=116296705087454;
I have always thought the Catholic Church should be loving, but it does not have to condone sin, which is what he does. He is not loving, he is divisive and disrespectful.
August 15, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Can some of his followers confirm that he said these things at Mass? That gays should be able to be married in the Church? That he officially from the pulpit endorsed candidates? (I assume he endorsed Obama). That he claimed that premarital sex is fine? That he allowed Catholics to attempt marriage without proper annulments? I'm sure his followers probably agree with these things anyway, but I would like to hear from them that he actually did these things.