After publication of his letter to Pope Francis questioning the Pontiff’s teachings, Father Thomas Weinandy has resigned from his position as consultant to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine.
The Capuchin Franciscan priest is former executive director of the US bishops’ Secretariat of Doctrine and Canonical Affairs, serving in the post from 2005 until 2013. He expressed loyalty to the Pope, but at the same time said “a chronic confusion seems to mark your pontificate”.
He released his letter to several Catholic and other media outlets.
“After speaking with the general secretary of the conference today, Father Thomas Weinandy, OFM, Cap., has resigned, effective immediately, from his position as consultant to the USCCB Committee on Doctrine,” said James Rogers, chief communications officer for the USCCB.
“The work of the committee is done in support of, and in affective collegiality with, the Holy Father and the Church in the United States. Our prayers go with Father Weinandy as his service to the committee comes to a close,” Rogers said.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, USCCB president, said the departure of Father Weinandy as a consultant “gives us an opportunity to reflect on the nature of dialogue within the Church”.