Statement of Archbishop Raymond Burke: in Response to Randall Terry Interview

Sadly, Mr. Terry has used the videotape for another purpose which I find most objectionable.

ROME, Italy (Catholic Online) - On March 25, 2009 Randall Terry held a Press Conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. At the Conference he showed and released the transcript of an interview which he had done with the Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

On March 26, 2009, several reliable sources, including "Whispers in the Loggia", released the following official responsive statement from the Office of His Excellency, Archbishop Burke, expressing serious concerns over the use of the interview and the statement. We set it forth in its entirety, with no comment, for our readers:

Statement of His Excellency Archbishop Raymond Burke in Response to the use by Randall Terry of his interview

"Recently, Mr. Randall Terry and some of his associates visited me in Rome and asked to videotape an interview with me to share with pro-life workers for the purpose of their encouragement. The interview was conducted on March 2, 2009.

"Sadly, Mr. Terry has used the videotape for another purpose which I find most objectionable.

"First, Mr. Terry issued a media advisory which gave the impression that I would be physically present at the press conference during which he played the videotape, when, in fact, I was in Rome.

"Second, I was never informed that the videotape would become part of a press conference.

"Third, I gave the interview as a Bishop from the United States to encourage those engaged in the respect life apostolate, not as the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

"Fourth, I was never informed that the videotape would be used as part of a campaign of severe criticism of certain fellow bishops regarding the application of Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law.

"If I had known what the true purpose of the interview was, I would never have agreed to participate in it.

"I am deeply sorry for the confusion and hurt which the wrong use of the videotape has caused to anyone, particularly, to my brother bishops."

(Most Rev.) Raymond L. Burke

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'