Avant-propos - Studia Moralia

176 TODD A. SALZMAN
member superior to the other, so too, the three bodies which
constitute the Church. 14 While this model does not deny the importance
and authority of the magisterium as an authoritative
witness to truth, it stands in relation to, not above, the other two
bodies. The relationship between the magisterium, theologians
and the people of God are communal and dialectical. It is communal
in the sense that all the faithful share a common baptism
that unites them in faith. On the basis of this faith, the faithful
“cannot err in matters of belief.” 15 Given this communal unity,
however, there remain different gifts and roles in discovering,
articulating, and defining “matters of belief.” For the faithful, experience
in their faith journey as this is lived out and manifested
in community is key to determining what constitutes matters
of belief. For moral theologians, it is reflection on that experience
as well as upon revelation and reason that help to formulate
and articulate matters of belief in a comprehensive ethical
system. For the magisterium, it is discernment that both listens
to the experiences of the faithful and is in thoughtful, honest,
and respectful dialogue with theologians in the process of formulating
matters of belief and to teach authoritatively. In all of
these processes, the Holy Spirit is present to guide the entire
church. Whenever there is a disagreement over noninfallible
magisterial teachings, whether it be the faithful in relation to the
magisterium, theologians in relation to the magisterium, or the
magisterium in relation to the faithful and theologians, such disagreements
must be thoroughly investigated to discern their
source, their validity, and if and how it challenges those teachings.
Mere disagreement does not constitute an argument
against noninfallible teachings. What it does warrant is a serious
investigation that can seek to clarify, correct, or in extreme cases
change those teachings on the basis of responsible dialogue.
The only teachings that are beyond correction and change are
infallible teachings.
Both of these ecclesiological models are evident in the early
14 See RICHARD R. GAILLARDETZ, Teaching with Authority: A Theology of the
Magisterium of the Church (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1997) 241-52.
15 Lumen Gentium par. 12.