The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka has issued a formal statement rejecting claims that Pastor Jerome Fernando holds any official position within the Catholic Church, emphasizing that he is not a bishop and does not have apostolic succession, which is essential for being recognized as a Catholic bishop.
Rev. Fr. J.D. Anthony Jayakody, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, stressed that members of the Catholic faith should not be misled by the title or claims of Jerome Fernando. He clarified that a Catholic bishop must have official apostolic succession, a doctrine which traces the line of bishops directly back to the apostles of Jesus Christ. “A Catholic bishop is a direct successor of the apostles, and apart from Saint Peter, the head of the apostles, every Catholic bishop continues this line of succession,” said the statement.
The Bishops’ Conference emphasized that the Pope is the direct successor of Saint Peter, underscoring the hierarchical structure of the Church. “With the exception of the Apostle Peter, every bishop in the Catholic Church is one of the eleven direct successors of the apostles,” the statement noted, reaffirming the sacred and apostolic authority vested in Catholic bishops.
Pastor Jerome Fernando, who has garnered attention in certain religious circles, does not hold any of the official credentials that are required for apostolic succession within the Catholic Church. The statement was issued in response to misinformation and aims to prevent confusion among the Catholic community, particularly in light of any claims suggesting Fernando’s affiliation with the Church’s ordained leadership.
In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference urged the faithful to remain vigilant and adhere to the official teachings and leadership of the Church, ensuring that they are not deceived by unauthorized figures who claim to hold ecclesiastical authority without proper recognition from the Catholic Church.
