Korean Bishops oppose ‘Family Tree Healing’
Posted by verbumpatris on February 8, 2009
Korean bishops, in a recent document, mentioned certain negative aspects of the charismatic movement in the Church there, 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 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. 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.
