An Extraordinary Synod—In More Ways Than One

Catholic World Report ^ | 10/15/14 | Fr. Vincent V. Twomey SVD

[marshmallow]

There is nothing very courageous about offering "pastoral" recommendations that fail to challenge a world that still bears the scars of the sexual revolution of the 1960s

This Synod is extraordinary in more ways than one. It is extra-ordinary in the simple sense of being merely preparatory to the actual or ordinary Synod that will take place in twelve months' time.

But the Synod is also extraordinary in the more colloquial sense of the term (i.e. being rather strange). Cardinal Kasper's address to the February Consistory in preparation for the Synod set the agenda. It was widely publicized in various languages and actively promoted by the author in interviews and talks around the world. It expressed his life-long campaign to allow divorced and civilly remarried faithful receive Holy Communion in certain restricted circumstances. He has not come up with one convincing answer to the theological critique that has been made of his essentially casuistic position. The issue of remarried divorcees is a real pastoral problem in Western Europe and North America but is not the only one, nor the most pressing one. And yet it became the focus of an intense pre-synodal debate, distracting attention from more central issues such as widespread cohabitation, child welfare, and pornography in the West, polygamy in Africa, or interreligious marriage in Asia. What is most strange is that the whole area of so-called artificial reproduction (IVF, surrogacy, etc.) never surfaced in any report.

Secondly, the lack of openness and transparency at the Synod is extraordinary. Unlike previous Synods, where summaries of each contributor's paper were made available, and the full texts could be requested, total secrecy was imposed—apart from the (generally impressive) testimonies given by married couples at the opening of each session. The Bishops were informed that their own contributions were the property of....

[marshmallow]

Secondly, the lack of openness and transparency at the Synod is extraordinary.

Yeah, why is that, I wonder? They wouldn't be trying to hide something would they?

[Buckeye McFrog]

Really? Seems to me openness and transparency have never been traits of the Catholic hierarchy.

[Dr. Sivana]

Cardinal Kasper has been a general nuisance for as long as I can remember. He’s 81. He cannot vote in the next conclave. How’d he get center stage? Like Henry Kissinger, he just pops up every now and then.

[livius]

He’s a favorite of the Pope, that’s why. In general, Argentinians are very awed by Germans, especially German liberals, for some reason. This is even leaving aside Argentina’s unfortunate history with - ahem, certain Germans after WWII.

Kasper obviously says what the Pope thinks, and the Pope probably regards him, because of his long history of being an off the wall “progressive,” as someone capable of getting his wishes carried out. I must say, he’s been pretty good at it so far, 81 or not.

[Bridesheadfan]

Kasper believes that the Gospels are full of legendary material(ie, Our Lord’s birth in Bethlehem, many of the miracles), and has been a public apostate since he began writing in the late sixties. If we were living during a normal time, he would have been excommunicated a long time ago. How the hell did he become not only a Cardinal, but the right hand henchman of the current Pontiff, ungloriously reigning? From the point of view of a believing Catholic, it’s quite scary, and I believe to be the beginning of the Great Apostasy.

[Salvation]

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