Michigan. Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, newly installed as the leader of the Archdiocese of Detroit, terminated the contracts of three prominent faculty members: Dr. Ralph Martin, Dr. Eduardo Echeverria, and Dr. Edward Peters. The dismissals, which occurred on or around July 23, 2025, have sparked intense debate, with reactions ranging from outrage to approval among Catholics and observers. This blog post explores the circumstances surrounding the firings, the stated and speculated reasons behind them, the diverse reactions from the Catholic community, and the controversial statements or teachings by the professors that may have contributed to their dismissal. Drawing on recent reports, this post aims to provide a balanced and critical examination of this polarizing event.
The Situation: A Sudden and Unexpected Termination
On July 23, 2025, Archbishop Weisenburger informed Ralph Martin and Eduardo Echeverria that their positions at Sacred Heart Major Seminary were terminated effective immediately. Two days later, on July 25, Edward Peters announced via a post on X that his teaching contract had also been terminated by the archbishop. The three professors, each with over two decades of service at the seminary, were well-known figures in Catholic academic and theological circles. Their abrupt dismissals sent shockwaves through the Catholic community, particularly given the lack of detailed public explanations from the Archdiocese of Detroit.
- Ralph Martin, 82, had been a professor of theology and director of graduate programs in the New Evangelization since 2002. A leading figure in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, Martin founded Renewal Ministries and hosted the EWTN program The Choices We Face. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Faculty of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum) in Rome and was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization in 2011. Martin expressed shock at his termination, noting his 23 years of contributions to the seminary, including leading its flagship Licentiate of Sacred Theology Degree in the New Evangelization. He reported that Archbishop Weisenburger cited “concerns about my theological perspectives” but declined to provide specifics.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-dismissal)[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/firing-shock-for-theologian-ralph-martin)
- Eduardo Echeverria, 74, was a professor of philosophy and systematic theology since 2003. A respected scholar, Echeverria authored several books, including Pope Francis: The Legacy of Vatican II and Are We Together?: A Roman Catholic Analyzes Evangelical Protestants. He was known for his work in ecumenical dialogue and contributions to publications like The Catholic Thing and Catholic World Report. Echeverria confirmed his dismissal to the National Catholic Register but was unable to elaborate due to a non-disclosure agreement.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-dismissal)[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)
- Edward Peters, a canon lawyer in his late 60s, had taught at the seminary since 2005, holding the Edmund Cardinal Szoka Chair. Peters, one of the most prominent lay canon lawyers in the United States, was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as a referendary to the Apostolic Signatura in 2010. He is known for his orthodox approach to ecclesiastical law and publications such as the English translation of the 1917 Code of Canon Law. Peters announced his firing on X, stating he had retained counsel and offering prayers for those affected, but he provided no further comment.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop)[](https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/07/29/canon-law-expert-edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop/)
The Archdiocese of Detroit, through its communications directors Holly Fournier and Angela Brown, consistently declined to comment on the firings, stating, “The Archdiocese of Detroit does not comment on archdiocesan or seminary personnel matters.” This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and controversy, with many questioning the motivations behind the dismissals.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-renowned-conservative-professors-from-sacred-heart-seminary/)[](https://www.osvnews.com/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/?=)
The Reasoning Behind the Firings
While the Archdiocese of Detroit has not provided an official explanation, the firings appear to be linked to the professors’ public criticisms of the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. Archbishop Weisenburger, appointed by Pope Francis in February 2025 and installed in March, is perceived as aligning with Francis’ more progressive theological and pastoral approaches. The professors, in contrast, were known for their orthodox and conservative perspectives, particularly their concerns about doctrinal ambiguity in Pope Francis’ teachings and actions.[](https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/07/31/archbishop-edward-weisenburger-detroit-archdiocese-catholic-church-sacred-heart-seminary-professors/85408993007/)
- Ralph Martin’s Criticisms: Martin was vocal about what he perceived as confusion caused by Pope Francis. In his 2021 book, A Church in Crisis, he described a reluctance to dispel ambiguity as “almost a hallmark” of Francis’ approach. Following the 2018 sex abuse scandal involving then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Martin wrote a letter to Catholics, acknowledging Francis’ positive contributions but criticizing actions that he believed led to “confusion and disunity in the Church.” In 2018, Martin also supported Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s claims against Pope Francis and expressed concern over Francis’ hope that hell might be empty, arguing it contradicted his belief that hell is populated.[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
- Eduardo Echeverria’s Statements: Echeverria similarly critiqued Pope Francis for contributing to a “crisis in the Church” due to ambiguous words and actions. In a 2019 revision to his book Pope Francis: The Legacy of Vatican II, he wrote that Francis’ lack of clarity and tendency to demean Christian doctrine exacerbated doctrinal, moral, and ecclesial issues. In a 2022 interview with Crisis Magazine, Echeverria argued that Francis’ apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia was not orthodox, particularly in its approach to pastoral and moral reasoning.[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
- Edward Peters’ Critiques: Peters, through his blog In Light of the Law, critiqued Pope Francis’ Amoris Laetitia for “writing flaws” and its suggestion that divorced-and-civilly-remarried Catholics might receive the Eucharist in certain cases. He also criticized Francis’ handling of the McCarrick case and other sexual abuse issues, as well as the 2018 revision to the Catechism on the death penalty. Peters was known for seeking canonical loopholes to interpret Francis’ teachings in ways that aligned with traditional doctrine.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop)[](https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/07/31/archbishop-edward-weisenburger-detroit-archdiocese-catholic-church-sacred-heart-seminary-professors/85408993007/)
These criticisms are central to the argument made by some, like Mike Lewis of Where Peter Is, who described the firings as “necessary and overdue.” Lewis argued that the professors’ public dissent from Pope Francis’ magisterial teachings violated the doctrine outlined in Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium (no. 25), the Catechism (no. 892), Canon Law (can. 752), and the Professio Fidei, which require religious submission to the pope’s ordinary magisterial teachings. Lewis and others viewed the professors’ actions as scandalous, particularly given their roles in forming seminarians.[](https://wherepeteris.com/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors/)[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
However, others speculate that the firings reflect a broader agenda by Archbishop Weisenburger to shift the seminary’s theological culture. Weisenburger’s earlier actions, such as restricting the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in June 2025 and banning the ad orientem posture in Novus Ordo liturgies, suggest a move to align the Archdiocese with more progressive priorities. Critics argue that the dismissals were less about specific theological disputes and more about consolidating power and suppressing conservative voices.[](https://www.ncronline.org/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-3-sacred-heart-seminary-theologians-who-criticized-pope-francis)[](https://www.osvnews.com/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/?=)
Reactions from Catholics and Others
The firings have elicited a spectrum of reactions, reflecting the deep divisions within the Catholic Church over issues of doctrine, papal authority, and seminary formation.
- Criticism and Outrage: Many conservative Catholics view the firings as an unjust attack on orthodoxy. Eric Sammons, editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine, called Weisenburger’s actions “an act of a thin-skinned, petty tyrant,” arguing that the firings were about “power and control” rather than advancing the Gospel. He emphasized that Martin and Echeverria were not traditionalists but “faithful Catholics” who spoke out against perceived evils in the Church. Sammons predicted a decline in Sacred Heart’s reputation, warning that it might become a “third-rate institution” that deters faithful seminarians.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-renowned-conservative-professors-from-sacred-heart-seminary/)[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-third-professor-in-seminary-purge/)
Dr. Janet Smith, a former colleague at Sacred Heart, described the firings as “outrageous and terribly damaging to the seminary and to the Church.” She praised Martin and Echeverria’s contributions and called their dismissals a “shameful act of attempted humiliation.” Brian Holdsworth, a Catholic commentator, lamented that the firings exemplify why “good Catholics don’t want to work for the Church,” citing the risk of career disruption by new bishops.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-renowned-conservative-professors-from-sacred-heart-seminary/)[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-dismissal)
Anne Hendershott, writing for Crisis Magazine, argued that the professors had fostered a “culture of faithful orthodoxy” at Sacred Heart and were not critics of Francis’ papacy but rather sought clarification of his ambiguous statements. She expressed concern that the firings damaged the American Church and morale on Catholic campuses.[](https://catholicvote.org/crisis-magazine-3-fired-sacred-heart-professors-had-created-culture-of-faithful-orthodoxy-at-the-seminary/)
- Support for the Firings: On the other side, some Catholics, particularly those aligned with Pope Francis’ vision, supported the dismissals. Mike Lewis of Where Peter Is argued that the professors’ public rejection of Francis’ teachings was unacceptable for seminary educators. He pointed to reports of a “Francis-free zone” at Sacred Heart, suggesting that the seminary had produced poorly formed priests under the influence of these professors. Lewis framed the firings as a necessary correction to ensure fidelity to the Church’s magisterium.[](https://wherepeteris.com/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors/)[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
Daniel Hovey, quoted in the Detroit Free Press, echoed this sentiment, stating that the firings addressed a culture at Sacred Heart that fostered skepticism or rejection of papal leadership. He suggested that the seminary had become a national center for conservative Catholicism, which Weisenburger sought to reform.[](https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/07/31/archbishop-edward-weisenburger-detroit-archdiocese-catholic-church-sacred-heart-seminary-professors/85408993007/)
- Concerns About Seminary Formation: The firings have raised broader questions about the future of priestly formation at Sacred Heart, a seminary known for its orthodox reputation. Critics like Sammons and Hendershott fear that the dismissals signal a shift away from orthodoxy, potentially deterring vocations. A commenter on Fr. John Zuhlsdorf’s blog expressed concern about finding a “decent seminary” for his son, highlighting anxieties about the impact on future priests. Conversely, supporters of the firings argue that removing dissenting voices strengthens the seminary’s alignment with the Church’s current leadership.[](https://wdtprs.com/2025/07/archb-of-detroit-fired-two-distinguished-seminary-profs-why/)
- Speculation About Pope Leo XIII: Some commentators have questioned whether the firings reflect the priorities of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIII, elected after Francis’ death. Critics like Sammons noted that Weisenburger was one of Francis’ final appointments, suggesting he is executing a pre-existing agenda. However, others, including Sammons, caution against assuming Pope Leo’s stance, noting that popes typically do not intervene in local personnel decisions.[](https://crisismagazine.com/editors-desk/the-purging-of-faithful-catholics-continues)
Controversial Statements and Teachings
The professors’ public criticisms of Pope Francis are widely cited as the primary trigger for their dismissals. Below are key examples of their controversial statements:
- Ralph Martin:
- In A Church in Crisis (2021), Martin argued that Pope Francis’ reluctance to clarify ambiguous statements was a hallmark of his pontificate, contributing to confusion.[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)
- In a 2018 letter, he supported Viganò’s allegations against Francis and questioned Francis’ hope that hell might be empty, asserting that hell is populated.[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
- Martin criticized Francis’ handling of the 2018 McCarrick scandal, suggesting it deepened Church disunity.[](https://www.ncronline.org/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-3-sacred-heart-seminary-theologians-who-criticized-pope-francis)
- Eduardo Echeverria:
- In a 2019 revision to Pope Francis: The Legacy of Vatican II, Echeverria stated that Francis contributed to a Church crisis through ambiguous words, one-sided formulations, and a tendency to demean doctrine.[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)
- In a 2022 Crisis Magazine interview, he declared Amoris Laetitia unorthodox due to its pastoral and moral reasoning, a claim debated by Pedro Gabriel.[](https://wherepeteris.com/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors/)
- Edward Peters:
- In his blog In Light of the Law (April 2016), Peters critiqued Amoris Laetitia for “writing flaws” and its approach to allowing divorced-and-remarried Catholics to receive the Eucharist.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop)
- He criticized Francis’ handling of the McCarrick case and the 2018 Catechism revision on the death penalty, often proposing alternative canonical interpretations.[](https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/07/31/archbishop-edward-weisenburger-detroit-archdiocese-catholic-church-sacred-heart-seminary-professors/85408993007/)
These statements, particularly their public nature, were seen by some as crossing a line for seminary educators, who are expected to model fidelity to the Church’s magisterium. Critics of the firings, however, argue that the professors’ critiques were measured and aimed at defending orthodoxy, not rejecting papal authority.
Analysis and Implications
The firings of Martin, Echeverria, and Peters highlight ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church between traditionalist/orthodox and progressive factions. The professors’ criticisms of Pope Francis, while rooted in concerns about doctrinal clarity, were perceived by some as dissent that undermined the formation of seminarians. Archbishop Weisenburger’s actions, combined with his restrictions on the TLM and ad orientem worship, suggest an intent to steer Sacred Heart toward a more progressive theological orientation. However, the lack of transparency and the abrupt nature of the dismissals have fueled perceptions of authoritarianism, as voiced by critics like Sammons and Smith.
The controversy also raises questions about academic freedom in Catholic institutions and the role of seminaries in navigating theological disputes. While Lewis and others argue that seminary professors must align with the pope’s teachings, others contend that constructive criticism is essential for Church reform and clarity. The firings may impact Sacred Heart’s reputation, potentially deterring conservative seminarians while appealing to those aligned with Francis’ vision.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Ralph Martin, Eduardo Echeverria, and Edward Peters from Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a flashpoint in the ongoing Catholic culture wars. Their firings, linked to their criticisms of Pope Francis’ perceived doctrinal ambiguity, have divided Catholics, with some decrying the loss of orthodox voices and others praising the move as a necessary correction. The lack of clear explanations from the Archdiocese of Detroit has only deepened the controversy, leaving room for speculation and debate. As the Church navigates this turbulent period under Pope Leo XIII, the firings serve as a reminder of the challenges in balancing fidelity, critique, and unity within the Catholic tradition.
References:
- National Catholic Register, “Shake-Up in Detroit: New Archbishop Fires Ralph Martin and Eduardo Echeverria,” July 24, 2025.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-dismissal)
- Where Peter Is, “False Orthodoxy and Fired Professors,” July 27, 2025.[](https://wherepeteris.com/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors/)
- National Catholic Register, “Firing Was ‘A Shock’ for Theologian Ralph Martin,” July 24, 2025.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/firing-shock-for-theologian-ralph-martin)
- National Catholic Reporter, “Detroit Archbishop Fires 3 Sacred Heart Seminary Theologians Who Criticized Pope Francis,” July 26, 2025.[](https://www.ncronline.org/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-3-sacred-heart-seminary-theologians-who-criticized-pope-francis)
- Catholic Review, “Detroit Archbishop Fires Theologians Ralph Martin, Eduardo Echeverría from Seminary,” July 25, 2025.[](https://catholicreview.org/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/)
- National Catholic Register, “Canon-Law Expert Edward Peters Is Third Faculty Member Fired by Detroit Archbishop,” July 28, 2025.[](https://www.ncregister.com/news/edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop)
- LifeSite, “Detroit Archbishop Fires Renowned Conservative Professors from Sacred Heart Seminary,” July 25, 2025.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-renowned-conservative-professors-from-sacred-heart-seminary/)
- National Catholic Reporter, “What Really Happened at Detroit’s Seminary: False Orthodoxy and Fired Professors,” July 28, 2025.[](https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/false-orthodoxy-and-fired-professors)
- OSV News, “UPDATE: Detroit Archbishop Fires Three Theologians from Sacred Heart Seminary,” July 25, 2025.[](https://www.osvnews.com/detroit-archbishop-fires-theologians-ralph-martin-eduardo-echeverria-from-seminary/?=)
- Catholic World Report, “Canon Law Expert Edward Peters Is Third Faculty Member Fired by Detroit Archbishop,” July 29, 2025.[](https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/07/29/canon-law-expert-edward-peters-is-third-faculty-member-fired-by-detroit-archbishop/)
- Detroit Free Press, “Detroit Archbishop Fires 3 Conservative Seminary Professors Who Criticized Pope Francis,” July 31, 2025.[](https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2025/07/31/archbishop-edward-weisenburger-detroit-archdiocese-catholic-church-sacred-heart-seminary-professors/85408993007/)
- Fr. Z’s Blog, “Archb. of Detroit Fired Two Distinguished Seminary Profs. Why? – UPDATED – Canonist Ed Peters Also Fired!,” July 25, 2025.[](https://wdtprs.com/2025/07/archb-of-detroit-fired-two-distinguished-seminary-profs-why/)
- LifeSite, “Detroit Archbishop Fires Third Professor in Seminary Purge,” July 26, 2025.[](https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/detroit-archbishop-fires-third-professor-in-seminary-purge/)
- Crisis Magazine, “The Purging of Faithful Catholics Continues,” July 25, 2025.[](https://crisismagazine.com/editors-desk/the-purging-of-faithful-catholics-continues)
- CatholicVote, “Crisis Magazine: 3 Fired Sacred Heart Professors Had Created ‘Culture of Faithful Orthodoxy at the Seminary,’” July 31, 2025.[](https://catholicvote.org/crisis-magazine-3-fired-sacred-heart-professors-had-created-culture-of-faithful-orthodoxy-at-the-seminary/)
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