Jesuit theologian from India under doctrinal scrutiny by Vatican

Friday, May 16th, 2014

The Vatican is investigating a Jesuit theologian from India for allegedly espousing unorthodox beliefs.

Censure has reportedly been threatened against Fr Michael Amaladoss, whose best-known book is “The Asian Jesus”.

But the Jesuit provincial of Fr Amaladoss’s Indian province said there had been no condemnation or censure.

Rather, there has been an ongoing dialogue that has lasted for two years, the provincial said.

The unique and essential role of Christ in salvation and approaches to interreligious dialogue are the issues in question.

The theologian reportedly believed that his initial responses to questions about his views on the uniqueness of Jesus and the Catholic Church had answered Vatican objections.

But in January, the CDF reportedly returned with a demand that Fr Amaladoss write an article publicly endorsing the Vatican’s views or face silencing.

In early April, Fr Amaladoss met with Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prefect Cardinal Gerhard Müller and other Roman officials.

According to an email to RNS reporter David Gibson from Fr Edward Mudavassery, who oversees the Jesuits in India, “[Fr Amaladoss] agreed to rework . . . those issues in the light of the dialogue”.

“I understand it was an open and honest meeting trying to clarify objectionable issues,” Fr Mudavassery wrote.

Pope Francis reportedly knows about the investigation, but does not seem overly concerned that it will end with Fr Amaladoss being punished, according to Jesuits familiar with the case, Gibson wrote.

Fr Mudavassery said he did not know of any restrictions placed on Fr Amaladoss.

But Fr Amaladoss has pulled out of all speaking and writing commitments as he tries to address the Vatican’s concerns.

The theologian also cancelled a lecture at Union Theological Seminary in New York, scheduled for April 8, titled “Is Theology in India Really Different Than Theology in the West?”

The seminary’s website stated: “The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Vatican has forbidden Dr Amaladoss from speaking and publishing until a process of examining his thought has been successfully completed.”

Sources