MSGR. JOSEPH CHAMPLIN'S TOGETHER FOR LIFE:
Is it Faithful to Magisterial Teaching on Contraception?
by James Likoudis
As the <Western New York Catholic> (November 1988) noted:
"The name Champlin may not be a household word, but chances are
your life as a Catholic has been influenced by Msgr. Joseph M.
Champlin in more ways than you realize. Since 1970, Msgr. Champlin's
popular book, <Together for Life> has been used by almost everyone
who plans a Catholic wedding. A nationally-know expert on Catholic
Liturgy, he has appeared on national television and radio, spoken
before audiences all over the country, and produced a number of
videotape and cassette series. He has written more than 30 books
and hundreds of articles which serve as a guide for priests and
laity in planning and participating in all aspects of Catholic
worship."
Much could be said concerning Msgr. Champlin's activities as a
liturgical renewalist of national reputation who bears responsibility
for some of the liturgical anarchy evident in parishes. He is
remembered in his own diocese of Syracuse (where he has served
as Vicar of parish life and worship) for his fervent promotion
and encouragement of Communion in the hand (when the practice
was unlawful in the U.S.), thereby adding to the spirit of disobedience
in which that practice was cultivated. He was also prominent
in defending an aberrant policy of "Eucharistic hospitality" in
the Diocese of Syracuse (which, in effect, permitted Protestants
to receive Holy Communion in clear defiance of the restrictions
contained in Vatican directives.)
His best-selling booklet <Together for Life> remains a bone of contention
with Catholics in many dioceses who have rightly objected to its
waffly treatment of the sin of contraception. As Mrs. Dorothy
Macaluso, Chairman of the Rochester, N.Y., St. Pius X Chapter
of CUF, observed in a recent letter in the Rochester Catholic
Courier:
"I was non-plussed to read a favorable notice of Fr. Joseph's
Champlin's 'wedding bible' <Together for Life>."
It has, admittedly, sold millions of copies and has been widely
used in parishes as one of the most popular marriage preparation
books.
..One will look in vain in Fr. Champlin's booklet for the clear
teaching of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II on the sinfulness
of contraception. Ever since <Together for Life> first appeared
in 1970, it has played a sorry role in promoting Situation Ethics,
and fudging teachings of the Magisterium as regards a properly
formed conscience in the matter of contraception." (2/1/90)
In a consequent issue of the <Catholic Courier>, Msgr. Champlin
complained that excerpts from his booklet had been taken "out
of context", that his work was graced with the imprimatur, and
that his critic was "divisive" as contributing to polarization
in the Church. The best reply to Msgr. Champlin, of course, is
to give his own words on "Responsible Parenthood" in full (as
contained in the January 1985 edition of <Together for Life>:
"A further difficulty at times develops for some married persons
who have decided with prayer and thought, and without selfishness,
that they should postpone temporarily, or indefinitely the addition
of a child to their family. They feel simultaneously a strong
need to express and deepen love through sexual intercourse. Aware
of the Church's traditional teaching they feel caught in a dilemma
with God seeming to say one thing in their hearts and another
through the Church. In resolving that issue they would do well
to consider what natural family planning techniques can offer.
Local clergy should be able to refer you to resource people who
can explain these procedures which have been approved by the Church
and successfully tested. The method is free from harmful side
effects and, in surprising ways, deepens a couple's love.
There is no easy resolution of that matter, but neither does
God want couples to be terrified whenever they make love. In
the complexities of life all of us now and then become similarly
torn between conflicting commands. At those times we purify our
hearts, search for God's light in this special circumstance, then
decide what is the best course to follow. And follow it without
any fear or anxiety. Should you ever face such a situation and
seem unable to cope with the conflicts, then seek an understanding
priest in or our of confession. He will not or should not make
what must be your decision alone, but he can help you arrive at
a judgment which will insure your continued peace with God and
love for one another." (page 87)
Readers will note that contraception as a sin is not mentioned.
Moreover, God Himself is implicated as structuring a conflict
of moral duties! How comforting for the person inclined to practice
contraception to be informed that "there is no easy resolution
of that matter" and that "an understanding priest" will not interfere
with what "must be your decision alone" as to "the best course
to follow"!! Such calculated ambiguity is a far cry from a clear
treatment of Catholic doctrine which forbids couples (or even
the priest questioned by them) to use their own judgment in assessing
the morality of a contraceptive act.
Msgr. Champlin's latest book is entitled <The Marginal Catholic>.
It is ironic that his best-selling work <Together for Life> has
helped form so many "Marginal Catholics" who either reject or
ignore the infallible teaching of God's Church on contraception.
But then, if Msgr. Champlin's treatment of contraception is subject
to severe criticism, his chapters dealing with pre-marital sex
entitled "Why Wait?" and "How Far Should We Go?" will be found
similarly appalling.
This article appeared in the May 1990 issue of Serviam, a monthly
newsletter produced by the local chapter of CUF.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The electronic form of this document is copyrighted.
Copyright (c) Trinity Communications 1994.
Provided courtesy of:
The Catholic Resource Network
Trinity Communications
PO Box 3610
Manassas, VA 22110
Voice: 703-791-2576
Fax: 703-791-4250
Data: 703-791-4336
The Catholic Resource Network is a Catholic online information and
service system. To browse CRNET or join, set your modem to 8 data
bits, 1 stop bit and no parity, and call 1-703-791-4336.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
