French bishops' conspiracy to change Church teaching on homosexuality

Bishop Hervé Giraud deplores the appointment of Father Spina and calls into question collegiality

He is the first to react: Bishop Hervé Giraud, Bishop of Viviers, questions the decision of his fellow bishop regarding the appointment of Father Spina, which had sparked a fierce outcry, well beyond the diocese. Father Spina, convicted in 2006 for rape, was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Toulouse at the beginning of June. Bishop Giraud thus expressed his disagreement with Bishop de Kérimel in an interview with La Vie.

The Archbishop of Toulouse spoke of the "principle of mercy," but I thought to myself that we really don't have the same notion of mercy. Who should show mercy? I don't think a bishop can show mercy without considering the victims. Of course, it's not easy because we must also look after the priest's future, but there are many other ways to open up a path for him in life.

"Collegiality can paralyse"

But the Bishop of Viviers also calls into question, in this case, "the collegiality between bishops (which) is not enough."

Collegiality between bishops is not enough. It can paralyse. It can also demonstrate a shared determination to prevent sexual abuse and violence. But before collegiality, for a Diocesan bishop, there is concern for the entire people of God. I must first have concern for the whole Church and therefore show solidarity with the people entrusted to my care.

It is interesting to read this criticism of a mechanism that had attracted much criticism in the post-conciliar years. Let us recall the essay by Abbot Dulac on Episcopal Collegiality at the Second Vatican Council published in 1979 by Dominique Martin Morin.

Source

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French bishops' conspiracy to change Church teaching on homosexuality

Biography

Bishop Hervé Giraud,

Motto: Risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1)

February 26, 1957: Born in Tournon (Ardèche)

September 22, 1985: Ordained priest for the Diocese of Viviers

May 25, 2003: Ordained bishop at the Primatiale de Lyon

Education and Diplomas

Claude Bernard University (Lyon I): DEUG (Degree in Mathematics)

Saint-Irénée Interdiocesan Seminary in Sainte Foy-lès-Lyon (69)

Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome: Canonical License in Moral Theology

Catholic Institute of Paris: DEA (Degree in Moral Theology)

Ministries

1985-1987: Chaplain at Saint Louis-des-Français in Rome

1988-1992: Member of the pastoral team in Privas

1989-1992: Teacher of Moral Theology at IPER (Lyon)

1991-2000: Member of the Continuing Education Commission of the Diocese of Viviers

1992-1997: Member of the leadership team of the interdiocesan seminary of Viviers

1997-2003: Superior of the university seminary in Lyon

1999-2002: Secretary of the National Council of Major Seminaries

2000-2003: Depending on his availability, on the team of priests of Tournon-sur-Rhône

2002-2003: National Chaplain of the Marriage Preparation Centers

2003-2007: Auxiliary Bishop of Lyon

2008-2015: Bishop of Soissons, Laon, and Saint-Quentin

2015-2024: Archbishop of Sens & Auxerre

Since 2015: Prelate of the Mission de France

Since April 14, 2024: Archbishop-Bishop of Viviers

Other Responsibilities (CEF)

2005-2011: President of the Episcopal Commission for Ordained Ministers and Lay People in Ecclesial Mission (CéMoLeme)

2011-2015: President of the Council for Communication of the Conference of Bishops of France.