How to deal with a wolf in shepherd's clothing

Laity as guardians of the Sacred Tradition.

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but even more fearful for those who have betrayed their priestly calling." – Pope St. Pius X

Throughout the long history of the Catholic Church, the laity have shared in the solemn duty of preserving the “depositum fidei”—the sacred treasure of apostolic Tradition.

In every era, faithful Christians have been called not only to receive the word of God but also to protect it against error and abuse. When priests—those entrusted with proclaiming and living the truth—fall into error, abuse their ministry, or stray from orthodoxy, the laity must respond.

This response must be rooted in prayer, catechesis, and a discerning engagement with the proper ecclesiastical channels.

The Nature of Authority and the Deposit of Faith

The Catholic Church’s authority is founded not on human merit but on divine revelation, passed faithfully from the apostles through the centuries. As St. Augustine taught, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” This principle underscores that both clergy and laity must cherish the integrity of the sacred Tradition. The Council of Trent affirmed that the deposit of faith is entrusted to the Church as a whole, and the priest’s office is a sacred trust to proclaim that Truth. When a priest deviates—whether by moral failing, liturgical innovation contrary to Tradition, or doctrinal error—the breach strikes at the heart of the Church’s mission. St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us in the Summa Theologiae that “truth, being immutable, cannot be made to vary,” and error is but the negation of truth.

For the laity, the response is not to become judge and jury in a worldly sense but to be vigilant custodians of the truth, supporting the ecclesiastical process for correction while also praying for the conversion of the erring minister.

The Grave Harm of Abuses and Errors

When a priest commits abuses or teaches error, the damage is twofold. First, it endangers the souls of the faithful by undermining sound doctrine and disrupting the spiritual nourishment that comes from the sacraments.

Second, it tarnishes the sacred image of the priesthood, causing scandal among the people. As St. Robert Bellarmine warned, a minister who deviates from the faith not only misleads others but imperils the entire community’s salvation. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, speaks of “false apostles” who disguise themselves as ministers of Christ—a timeless caution to the faithful.

Such dangers require a response that is firm yet charitable, for the laity must remain ever mindful that even erring priests are in need of mercy and correction.

Biblical and Patristic Foundations for Confronting Error

Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers provide clear guidance on addressing error. St. Paul exhorts Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2). Early Christians, facing heretical movements, were encouraged to examine all things carefully and to hold fast to what is good, as St. John Chrysostom repeatedly urged in his homilies. St. Augustine famously remarked that “the truth is like a lion: you do not have to defend it. Let it loose, and it will defend itself.” Such imagery reminds us that while the Church is the guardian of immutable Truth, the laity’s role is to support this safeguarding through prayer, learning, and appropriate correction.

These scriptural and patristic precedents do not call for harsh condemnation but for a measured, sincere correction—always aiming at the salvation of souls rather than their destruction.

The Traditional Catholic Approach to Dealing with Error

A truly Traditionalist Catholic response to clerical error must be multi-pronged. Its components include:

Prayer and Penitence:

As St. Bernard of Clairvaux taught, prayer is “the place of refuge for every worry” and a source of healing for the broken. In all instances of clerical error, the laity should first turn to the Lord in prayer, asking for wisdom and for the erring priest’s return to truth. The Psalmist assures us that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18).

Catechesis and Formation:

A well-formed conscience is the best safeguard against error. The laity are called to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Church’s teaching—the Sacred Scriptures, the writings of the Fathers, and the decrees of the Magisterium, such as those set forth at the Council of Trent and by St. Thomas Aquinas. As Pope Pius X exhorted, the faithful must arm themselves with the truth in order to distinguish genuine doctrine from counterfeit ideas.

Discernment and Charity:

In confronting suspected error or abuse, the laity must exercise discernment. While it is necessary to correct error, such correction must be tender and respectful. St. John Chrysostom advised that corrections should be like the soft dew that revives a withered flower, not like a whip that inflicts pain.

Submission to Ecclesiastical Authority:

Ultimately, the Church’s hierarchical structure, established by Christ himself, is designed to correct error. The laity should report their concerns to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority—typically the local bishop—so that the matter can be properly investigated. As St. Cyprian of Carthage declared, “He can no longer have God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother.”

Lessons from History

The annals of Church history are replete with examples of error being confronted and corrected. Early ecumenical councils, from Nicaea to Chalcedon, saw both clergy and laity uniting to expel heresy and affirm the true faith.

The Council of Trent, convened in response to the Protestant Reformation, reaffirmed the necessity of preserving the deposit of faith against distortion. St. Robert Bellarmine and St. Alphonsus Liguori offered balanced and compassionate approaches to correcting doctrinal errors without alienating the sinner. These historical examples teach the laity that while the struggle against error is perennial, it must be conducted with both firmness and a spirit of repentance.

The Role of the Laity in Safeguarding the Faith

The Second Vatican Council’s document Lumen Gentium, speaks of the laity as the “field of mission” of the Church—a truth that has always been evident. The laity are not passive recipients of divine grace; rather, they are active participants in the apostolic mission. By studying, praying, and engaging with the true liturgical and catechetical traditions of the Church (for example, through the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and traditional devotions), the laity serve as a bulwark against modern errors. A culture steeped in the ancient beauty of the Latin Mass and the writings of the Church Fathers is less likely to be swayed by innovations that stray from the deposit of faith.

When the Laity Are Allowed to Disobey

As I have said in a previous article, obedience is a cherished virtue in Catholic life; however, it is never blind nor unconditional. Traditional Catholic teaching holds that one must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29) when human commands conflict with divine truth. In his Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas Aquinas asserts that if a command contradicts the truth of the faith, the faithful are under no obligation to obey it. When a priest clearly departs from the unchanging truths of Catholic doctrine—teaching heresy, engaging in scandalous abuses, or systematically leading the faithful away from the sacraments—the laity are justified, in matters of faith and morals, to withhold obedience to that particular directive.

This disobedience, however, must be exercised with great care. It is not a license for arbitrary rebellion but a measured response when the priest’s teaching or conduct is manifestly and publicly at odds with the Church’s magisterium. The criteria for such resistance include:

Manifest Error or Abuse: The deviation must be clear and unmistakable. Isolated or private failings, addressed through prayer and personal correction, do not justify disobedience. Only when error is persistent, public, and detrimental to the faith of the community is it appropriate for the laity to cease following the errant directives.

Exhaustion of Ecclesiastical Channels: Before the laity exercise their right to disobey, they should first bring their concerns to a higher ecclesiastical authority. The local bishop, who is charged with the responsibility of preserving the deposit of faith, must be informed so that corrective measures may be taken.

Guidance by a Well-Formed Conscience: Disobedience in such matters must always be accompanied by humility, charity, and a firm commitment to the truth. The laity are not to act out of mere rebellious zeal but out of a sincere desire to safeguard the eternal salvation of souls.

St. Alphonsus Liguori observed that if the shepherd leads his flock astray, the sheep have not only the right but the duty to seek the guidance of the true shepherd. Thus, if a priest’s actions or teachings are so radically divorced from the sacred Tradition that they imperil the faithful, the laity are bound by their higher allegiance to Christ’s truth to follow the authentic Magisterium and, if necessary, to disobey the erroneous instruction.

Practical Steps for the Faithful

Confronting clerical error is not merely a matter of abstract theology; it requires practical, concrete steps:

Engage in Prayerful Discernment

Begin with sincere, fervent prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and the grace to see clearly. Unite your prayers with those for the conversion of the erring priest and the healing of the Church.

Deepen Your Catechesis

Strengthen your knowledge of the sacred Tradition by studying the Scriptures, good Catechisms like the Catechism of the Council of Trent or the Baltimore Catechism, and the writings of the Church Fathers and Doctors such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. A well-informed laity is less vulnerable to error.

Seek Guidance from Trustworthy Spiritual Directors

When doubts or concerns arise, consult with a knowledgeable spiritual director or a priest who is known for his fidelity to traditional doctrine. This counsel can help you discern the appropriate course of action.

Communicate Concerns to the Local Bishop

If a priest’s error or abuse is evident, it is both appropriate and necessary to report it to the local bishop or the competent ecclesiastical tribunal. The bishop, as the guardian of the deposit of faith, is best positioned to take corrective action.

Correct with Charity

When the time comes to correct error, do so with kindness and humility. Always seek the conversion of the erring priest rather than his condemnation. Remember that the ultimate goal is the restoration of truth and the salvation of souls.

The Spiritual and Eschatological Dimensions

The struggle against error is not merely an earthly dispute; it has eternal significance. In the eschatological vision of St. Thomas Aquinas, every act of correction is part of the larger cosmic battle between truth and falsehood—a battle that will reach its final climax at the Last Judgment. In this light, the laity’s vigilance becomes an act of spiritual warfare, a defense of the eternal truths that lead to salvation.

Moreover, the laity must remember that while clerical errors may cause temporary scandal, the immutable Word of God endures. The Church, though sometimes beset by internal strife, remains the “pillar and foundation of truth.” Each act of conscientious correction, when conducted in accordance with charity and in submission to the proper authority, contributes to the renewal of the Church and the advancement of eternal salvation.

The challenge of confronting clerical error and abuse is one that calls for both courage and compassion from the laity. While the priesthood is entrusted with a sacred mandate, the laity, as members of the Body of Christ, have the duty to guard the deposit of faith with vigilance, prayer, and informed discernment. In doing so, they must remain ever mindful that obedience to human authority is always subordinate to obedience to God’s immutable truth.

When a priest clearly departs from this truth—teaching heresy or engaging in abuse—the laity are, by their higher allegiance to the eternal Word, justified in withholding obedience and seeking the intervention of competent ecclesiastical authority. Yet, even in such instances, correction must be tempered by charity, always aimed at the conversion and healing of the errant minister rather than his condemnation.

May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the timeless wisdom of the Church Fathers inspire every faithful Catholic to act with both conviction and compassion. In our prayers, studies, and actions, let us remain ever faithful to the true and unchanging light of Christ—a light that dispels all darkness and leads us, through the trials of this world, to eternal salvation.

In this time of trial and renewal, let the laity stand as vigilant guardians of the sacred Tradition—resolute in the defense of truth, yet ever humble and charitable in their correction. May our commitment to the unalterable deposit of faith guide us, protect us, and ultimately bring about a renewal of the Church that remains faithful to the eternal teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

But before we go, some quotes from the Catholic spiritual giants…

· "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us." – 1 John 2:19

· "It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is cast into the sea than that he should scandalize one of these little ones." – Luke 17:2

· "The road to hell is paved with the skulls of erring priests, with bishops as their signposts." – St. John Chrysostom

· "A priest goes to heaven or a priest goes to hell with a thousand people behind him." – St. John Vianney

· "The greatest persecution of the Church does not come from enemies outside, but arises from sin within the Church." – Pope Benedict XVI

· "A priest who is not holy is a weapon in the hands of the devil to destroy souls." – St. Alphonsus Liguori

· "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. But he who sows evil will reap ruin." – St. Basil the Great

· "The unworthy priest is one of the greatest tragedies in the Church, for his fall is not his alone, but drags others with him." – St. Gregory the Great

· "When a priest ceases to pray, he ceases to believe; and when he ceases to believe, he ceases to be a priest in anything but name." – Pope St. Pius X

· "Woe to the priests who serve themselves instead of God! They are blind guides leading the blind into the pit." – Pope St. Gregory the Great

· "The great crisis of the Church today is not a crisis of external enemies, but of internal faithlessness." – Pope Paul VI

· "No one does more harm in the Church than he who, having the title or habit of holiness, acts evilly." – Pope St. Gregory the Great

· "There is nothing more dangerous to the faith than a priest who has lost his faith but retains his position." – Pope Leo XIII

· "It is not possible that a priest should fall alone; he falls, and with him falls a people." – St. John of Avila

· "A priest who does not pray is a dead man walking." – St. Padre Pio

· "When the priesthood is corrupted, the whole Church is shaken." – St. Catherine of Siena

· "When the shepherd turns into a wolf, the flock is devoured." – St. Augustine

· "An impure priest is a sword in the devil's hands to destroy souls." – St. John Bosco

· "The priest is called to be another Christ, but if he betrays his calling, he becomes another Judas." – St. Thomas Aquinas

· "The priest who denies the faith not only condemns himself but poisons the souls of those entrusted to him." – Catechism of the Council of Trent

· "A priest is a man who must die to himself daily, or he will die to his priesthood eternally." – St. Peter Damian

· "The infidelity of priests is the ruin of nations." – St. Jean Eudes

· "A priest who no longer believes is like salt that has lost its savor—fit only to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." – Inspired by Matthew 5:13

· "It is far better to be a simple layman who believes than a learned priest who has lost his faith." – Dom Prosper Guéranger

Ave Christus Rex!

Recognise & Resist!

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