Chicago's Fr. Pfleger Apologizes but Reaffirms Support for Women's Ordination

This makes no sense. Why apologize for dissent, and then reaffirm the dissent? And why hasn't Cardinal George shown this guy the door?

The Archdiocese of Chicago has issued a statement from Fr. Michael Pfleger responding to criticism over his professed support for women's ordination in a homily last Sunday. In the statement, the priest apologizes, but reaffirms his position against Church teaching. In separate remarks he has criticized the reaction against his dissent.

On Sunday, only days after having received a lifetime achievement award from the Archdiocese and Cardinal Francis George, Fr. Pfleger told his congregation at Saint Sabina's Catholic Church: “That's why there should be women priests. That's why there should be married priests. That's why there should be women bishops and women cardinals.”

Following criticism from concerned Catholics, the following statement from the priest was posted to the front page of the Archdiocese's website on Wednesday:

“On Sunday, April 11, while preaching a sermon on the power of fear, I was referring to the fear that paralyzed the apostles, locking them in a room, leaving only John and the women at the foot of the cross. I stated that is why I believe women ought to be able to be ordained, as well as priests ought to be able to get married.

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And to refresh "Father"  Pfleger's memory, from the Catechism:

1577 "Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination." The Lord Jesus chose men (viri) to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry. The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return. The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.