Posted on 10/31/2013 7:58:52 PM PDT by ebb tide
Catholics across the world are being asked for their views on contraception, same-sex unions and communion for divorced and remarried couples, it has emerged.
In preparation for next year's Extraordinary Synod on the Family, which Pope Francis announced earlier this month, the Vatican has sent a questionnaire to the world's bishops to disseminate among priests and people.
The responses to the questionnaire will be analysed as part of the preparation for the synod, to take place from 5 to 19 October 2014 on the theme "Pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelisation".
The questions, which were sent out by Italian Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, cover some of the most contentious issues in Church. The questionnaire asks what kinds of questions divorced and remarried couples ask about the sacraments and whether a simplification of the annulment process could help "solving the problems of the persons involved".
It also quizzes local churches what pastoral attention can be given to people who are in same-sex partnerships and what can be done to help the adopted children of such unions to be formed in the faith.
Contraception is on the synod agenda with the questionnaire asking if the Church's teaching against the practice is "accepted". It goes on to ask what "natural methods' are promoted by the Church to put its teaching into practice and asks "how can an increase in births be promoted?"
Local churches are asked to approximate a percentage of couples who co-habit before marrying and if this is a "pastoral reality".
Other areas examined include how to support families to develop a prayer life that can "withstand life's complexities and today's culture".
A synthesis of responses will be sent back to Rome by the end of January. The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has put the questionnaire online here.
the mass apostasy continues right on schedule......Jesus must surely be returning soon.
this is very bad
My only comment at this time is, "A Jesuit Gone Wild!"
When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him understand.
Matthew 24:15
Sad ping
What would Jesus do concerning these issues? Arguably with the exception of Matthew 16:15, Jesus never asked for a consensus about anything. Instead, he would say, "it is written" as evidenced by Matthew 4:4. So Why doesn't Rome do what Jesus did and read what the Holy Bible says about these issues?
If they want to sustain tax exemption status, they better bend to the liberal overlords.
Keep in mind this is from The Tablet which is about as reliable as the NY Slimes.
This could be a positive if the Church realizes they are not getting their message out properly because so many aren’t following their teaching. But a survey should never be used to shape church doctrine.
I hear you.
Why on earth is this going on? The Church isn't going to change so why go through this meaningless drill?
Check the link in Post 5. This is for real.
Before I comment further, I am wondering whether this is meant for laiety or not. It sounds like the request is to distribute to the deaneries and parishes, but does that mean as far as parishioners or just the pastors (ie. priests)?
Also, check this link:
Vatican asking for parish level input for upcoming Synod on the family?
It appears that the USCCB is going against the Vatican. I'd be lying if I did not say I was shocked. The author of the link you provided in post 17 says that he learned that asking the laity for feedback via a survey was not unprecedented. Does anyone know when this happened in the past?
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