Priests in Charlotte diocese submit ‘dubia’ to Vatican over bishop’s liturgical changes

In a rare move, more than 30 priests from the Diocese of Charlotte have submitted a set of formal dubia — or questions — to the Vatican, seeking clarification on the authority of a diocesan bishop to impose certain liturgical restrictions.

The formal questions, obtained by The Pillar, was sent Jan. 5 to the Dicastery for Legislative Texts and comes in response to Bishop Michael Martin’s Dec. 17, 2025, pastoral letter detailing new Eucharistic norms for the diocese.

The questions submitted for clarification were signed by 31 priests, representing approximately one-quarter of the diocesan clergy, according to the diocesan priest directory. Two-thirds of the signatories are pastors, according to The Pillar’s report. ---More...