UNITED STATES
National Catholic Reporter
by Joshua J. McElwee | Jan. 30, 2013
The U.S. bishops’ staffer behind several controversial criticisms of Catholic theologians in recent years is stepping down.
Capuchin Fr. Thomas Weinandy, head of the bishops’ office tasked with upholding church teaching, is to leave his post as executive director for the bishops’ Secretariat of Doctrine in August. Mercy Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, director of media relations for the U.S. bishops’ conference, confirmed the departure Wednesday.
Weinandy has led the secretariat, which carries out the work of the nine prelates who are members of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine committee, since 2005.
During his tenure, the bishops’ committee has issued public rebukes of five prominent U.S. theologians. Those rebukes have been the subject of wide criticisms — including from both of the primary membership societies of U.S. theologians — because they came without pursuing consultation or dialogue with the theologians.
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