The working document therefore focuses on pastoral rather than doctrinal questions. Throughout it assumes that it is the Church’s pastoral approach, rather than its fundamental teaching, that is up for debate in October.
This should be interesting. There is, effectively speaking, no difference between these concepts. People speak of "pastoral" things, and then act as if it is all doctrinal anyway. And what can this synod do if it doesn't somehow affect the doctrines? Yes, this will certainly be very interesting.
A stalemate? (just kidding). Seriously, though, the issue of divorced and remarried catholics pales in comparison with the bigger issue - gay marriage. The Catholic Church has rejected gay marriage. In a recent statement, the USCCB avers:
“The enduring commitment of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to uphold the dignity of each and every human person impels us to oppose unjust discrimination, to proclaim the truth about marriage, and to protect religious freedom. Therefore, we view with great concern the reported intention of the President of the United States to issue an executive order forbidding what the Administration considers “discrimination” based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”
USCCB Chairmen Concerned About Reported Executive Order
Earlier this week, Crisis Magazine published an article on The Obama Doctrine. Austin Ruse, the author, points out:
His (Obama's) number one foreign policy priority is the promotion of lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals, and transgenders around the world. It is the thing he is most consistent about and the thing he consistently backs with the might and muscle of the United States no matter what.He directed all Federal agencies to “to expand efforts to combat discrimination, homophobia, and intolerance on the basis of LGBT status or conduct.” Homophobia and intolerance are not defined but you can expect they will be defined broadly enough to get you and me.
Don’t think the Obama Doctrine is not serious or that he treats LGBT issues like he treats America’s traditional leadership role in the world, that is, with regret and disdain. No, for this he punishes. In March he withdrew greatly needed financial assistance to Uganda because Uganda passed what many see as draconian laws restricting LGBT activity, both public and private.
After decades of "serving the marginalized", the USCCB is now at odds with the Federal Government on issues of abortion, contraception and gay marriage. As such, funding they formerly received to assist with these services, is now being withdrawn. Essentially, the government is taking over these ministries.
The elephant in the room at the October synod will be the impact of gay marriage on the Catholic Church and the repercussions from not acknowledging it.