Yes, we are all sinners. That is why Christ died for us. But the Bible clearly tells us that idolaters, drunkards, the sexually immoral, homosexuals, slanderers, liars, will not inherent the Kingdom of God. If the Catholic Church starts opening the door to “accepting” certain sinful acts, then that is clearly open rebellion against God, and He will not stand for it. The key is to repent, as Christ said. No child of Christ would say, “Well, I am Christian, but a current whore monger and thief. I can keep on doing it, because we have a lot of pull with the Vatican.” We must turn away, turn around, and stop sinning.
We are in general agreement, and I appreciate your point about the witness of those in the hierarchy.
The press has been quick to characterize this as “a Vatican document,” or change in doctrine. It is neither.
Rather, it is a discussion. A discussion of how to evangelize to people as we find them. How to successfully convert sinners, and help them on their way to Heaven.
Christ accepts us as sinners, though he doesn’t accept the sin. He is forgiving of the sin, and encouraging us to try again in contrition and humility.
The Church is called to go after the lost sheep. They are the ones who need as much help as they can get. Should they cast out and left to fend for themselves? Or should they be approached with love, as Christ loves, and be taught with patience and humility?
I think there is a challenge in all of this to not be the son who stayed at home in the parable of the prodigal son. Are we gladly sitting in our pews, saying amen, and doing a little volunteer work, but treating other sinners like dirt?
Are we the imperfect sitting in judgement of the other imperfects? Are we placing ourselves above others?
The keys are to believe and repent, repent and believe.