Cardinal Burke and the Magisterium

There's a serious problem

Many people have been unhappy with my recent criticism of Cardinal Raymond Burke, whose salary and free rent was recently discontinued by Pope Francis due to Burke’s unrelenting work to undermine the unity of the Church.

Cardinal Burke seems to have forgotten a basic Catholic teaching: The intent of the pope is what determines the magisterial weight of a teaching, not the post hoc analysis of self-appointed arbiters of "tradition." (cf. Lumen Gentium 25)

In other words, Cardinal Burke’s attempts to re-define the authority and significance of the teachings promulgated by Pope Francis. In addition, he routinely announces that various Magisterial documents promulgated by the pope contain “errors” and must be “corrected.” This is a violation of the oath he made as a cardinal.

The main problem with Cardinal Burke’s words and actions is not his "criticism" of Pope Francis, but his obstinate rejection of the fundamental principle laid out in Lumen Gentium 25. It has manifested itself in his dissent against virtually everything Pope Francis has taught on faith and morals.

Chances are, if you are an ordinary Catholic and this teaching about assent seems "off" to you, your understanding of the Magisterium and papal primacy have been corrupted by Cardinal Burke and his theological allies.

My position is that Burke's rejection of this principle is a heresy that underlies his entire understanding of tradition, which has manifested itself in countless examples of Burke dissenting from the Magisterium.

Yes, heresy.

Speaking frankly, I'd respect Burke more if he was honest about his dissent and just came out and said he opposed the last two councils' teachings on the papacy. Or even if he simply said he's struggling with his faith.

But it seems that would require more dignity and self-respect than he's capable of mustering.

In addition to the articles I’ve already written, I’m collaborating on a comprehensive article that outlines and explains Cardinal Burke’s history of dissent from the Magisterium. It will include links to the original sources and comprehensive explanations of his errors.

But in the meantime, here’s a video by Michael Lofton that gives an overview of a few of his errors: