Detroit Diocese Sued Over Funeral Sermon

[Redwingfan9]

Some kid committed suicide and had a funeral in a catholic church. Apparently the priest preached against suicide, indicating that the decedent wasn't in Heaven as a result. His parents have now sued the church claiming emotional distress and such.

Here are my thoughts. First of all, the priest was teaching basic Catholic theology. I don't happen to agree with it but the parents can hardly be surprised that a catholic priest preaches catholic doctrine at a funeral.

Second, this lawsuit is a matter of free speech and freedom of religion and shouldbe dismissed. The Courts have no business telling a church what it can and can't preach at its religious services. Funerals are religious services, especially when conducted by clergy at a church. Presumably this was a funeral mass where communion would be conducted. The Courts should not interfere here.

Third, as previously indicated I disagree with the papist position on suicide. Their view fits with their belief in salvation by works, which as a protestant I fundamentally disagree. There are better ways to preach on suicide. For example, this sermon by Ray Lanning which he preached to a congregation a week after their pastor committed suicide. I highly recommend it. Whether We Live Or Die

Anyone interested in more details on the case can click here: Michigan mom sues priest for condemning son's suicide at funeral

What are your thoughts?

 

[Norbert L]

My first impression is with the combined resources available to the RCC, that they haven't figured out an educational format for funerals so that their priests can avoid such a lawsuit without compromising their teachings.

 

[Redwingfan9]

My first impression is with the combined resources available to the RCC, that they haven't figured out an educational format for funerals so that their priests can avoid such a lawsuit without compromising their teachings.

So far as I can tell, this lawsuit is the first of its kind. I am of the opinion that it should be dismissed as a violation of freedom of religion. As a practical matter we shouldn't want the state stepping in every time someone gets their feelings hurt in a church service.

 

[zippy2006]

What are your thoughts?

First, a funeral homily is not meant to be a eulogy. Folks have a hard time with this. Second, insensitivity is not a crime.

But the problem is that no one is looking at the text. It is available. This happened about a year ago, and the archdiocese released a statement that can be found here. The sermon itself can be found here. As some may have guessed, the priest did not question the man's salvation. That was base propaganda. Here is a relevant portion of the homily:

On most people's mind, however, especially of us who call ourselves Christians, on our minds as we sit in this place is: Can God forgive and heal this? Yes, God CAN forgive even the taking of one's own life. In fact, God awaits us with his mercy, with ever open arms. Sacred Scripture says clearly: God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God's abiding mercy is what sets us to ask for it. Although God doesn't dangle his mercy like a carrot, waiting for us to ask for it in order to receive it, we do have to believe in our hearts, express with our words, and show in our actions –that it is always there. God wants nothing but our salvation but he will never force himself on us, he will not save us without us. That's how much he loves us. Because of the all-embracing sacrifice of Christ on the cross God can have mercy on any sin. Yes, because of his mercy, God can forgive suicide and heal what has been broken.
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Finally, from the archdiocesan statement:

Father LaCuesta agrees that the family was not served as they should have been served. For the foreseeable future, he will not be preaching at funerals and he will have all other homilies reviewed by a priest mentor. In addition, he has agreed to pursue the assistance he needs in order to become a more effective minister in these difficult situations. This assistance will involve getting help from professionals – on human, spiritual and pastoral levels – to probe how and why he failed to effectively address the grief of the family in crisis.

Father LaCuesta also expressed his regret in a message to parishioners following Masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel this weekend.​