Finally, a bishops' conference has the courage to take on a movement that, until very recently, has been practically above public criticism in the Catholic Church despite the numerous errors and dubious practices associated with it. The specific condemnation of the practice of "family tree healing" -- very common in charismatic circles -- is most necessary. CAP.
SEOUL (UCAN) -- Korean bishops, in a recent document, mentioned certain negative aspects of the charismatic movement in the Church here, while at the same time acknowledging its contributions to Church life.
The Committee for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK) says that although the movement has helped to renew the faith of Catholics, some aspects have been questionable.
Its 88-page document, Right Understanding of the Holy Spirit, cites certain misunderstandings of the faith and unethical behavior of some followers, the abuse of spiritual gifts, a fanatical atmosphere at some prayer meetings, and deviation from Church teaching by some laypeople, priests and Religious.
The document, which the committee issued on Dec. 24, attributes decades of growth in the spiritual renewal movement, which focuses on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives, to members' dedication. However, it pointed out that some followers have pursued fame, money and privilege, which it calls "a great obstacle" to the movement.
The bishops' committee says some of these people have sought money from people, claiming they possess the gift of healing or prophecy.
It also maintains that some followers have sought spiritual gifts for personal gain rather than for the common good, and that others have focused on prayers for healing physical illnesses rather than for inner renewal.
Committee secretary Father Benedict Son Hee-song told UCA News on Jan. 7 that the document aims to provide guidance for the movement's development.
It has reached a stage where one can see its strengths and weakness, explained Father Son, a professor at Seoul archdiocese's major seminary. "So we need to review the movement and direct its future development."
The Church official acknowledged the movement "has improved in many ways since its early stages, but needs to make greater effort to follow Church teaching."
Nonetheless, Father Thomas Oh Tae-soon, president of the National Catholic Charismatic Service Association (NCCSA), says he remains confident about the movement. It has been on the right track for a long time, he told UCA News, adding that the document does not perturb him.
Paul Chung Ok-dong, former president of the Seoul Catholic Charismatic Service Association, admits that in the 1970s and 1980s, when the movement was growing rapidly, quite a number of followers sought money and fame.
"These days few do so, though sometimes I hear some of them still do it in secret," said the 73-year-old layman, who got involved in the charismatic renewal in 1974. He added, "I think the document is timely but it sounds a little bit negative toward charismatics."
In addition to explaining the nature of the Holy Spirit and how to discern spiritual gifts, the document warns against "family-tree healing," practiced in some charismatic prayer meetings.
Proponents of this practice believe that the sins of ancestors are transmitted to descendents, who therefore cannot help but commit misdeeds and, as a result, suffer misfortunes such as illness, suicide and miscarriage.
The document urges "all Catholics not to accept such a false claim," pointing out that it runs counter to Church teaching on the grace received through the Sacrament of Baptism, which cleanses all sins including original sin.
The Korean bishops discussed the matter during their October 2007 plenary assembly and warned Catholics that "family-tree healing" goes against Church teaching on prayers for healing.
According to an NCCSA official, all 15 dioceses in the country have charismatic organizations that conduct regular prayer meetings at the parish and diocesan levels.
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Source: http://www.ucanews.com/
