Eastern Oregon bishop requiring ‘Affirmation of Faith’

Catholics in the Diocese of Baker, Ore., who want to lead their parishes in singing or assist the priests during Mass must sign an “Affirmation of Faith” that promises allegiance to church teaching on homosexuality, abortion, purgatory and other issues.

In April, Bishop Robert Vasa told lectors, cantors, altar servers, lay teachers and Eucharistic Ministers (those who serve Communion) that they must sign a 13-paragraph statement that reflects a “presumption of orthodoxy.”

The “Affirmation of Faith” includes opposition to “direct, intentional abortion,” the “sinfulness of contraception,” “gravely evil” extramarital sex including homosexuality, and agreement with church teaching on the Virgin Mary, purgatory, heaven, hell and the “reality and presence” of Christ in the bread and wine of Communion.

Critics in the Eastern Oregon diocese say the pledge is narrowly focused on “pelvic issues” and is a paranoid “litmus test” that has alienated volunteers and parishioners.

According to the National Catholic Reporter, more than two dozen lay volunteers at the largest church in the diocese, St. Francis of Assisi in Bend, have resigned. Five “concerned Catholics” in the diocese asked the Vatican for an investigation.

Vasa said in a pastoral letter that as bishop he needs “an assurance that those who serve in official capacities hold interior dispositions consistent with church teachings.”

“It is impossible to do more than pay lip service to the teachings of the church when the heart is far away,” he wrote. “The people of God have a right to expect a higher standard from those who function in various ministries, and the bishop has an obligation of vigilance.”