Posted on 11/22/2015 3:27:52 PM PST by sparklite2
So let's, just for the hell of it, allow our imaginations to run riot. What might a reformed Catholic Church look like? Start with small steps - allowing communion to divorced or co-habiting couples, the Church not judging gay men in loving relationships (both positions Francis himself has espoused). From there we move to a greater acceptance of homosexuality in general, even to same-sex union and families. How long before we hit celibacy and women priests? At which point there are women in the faith who would want to widen the debate, to suggest that it is the whole notion of an elevated priesthood and hierarchy that needs addressing, encouraging more democracy and community as a way to get better shepherds for the flock.
Enter a religion defined by God's mercy and inclusion, with a strong voice on issues like market excess and climate change and where men and women shared spiritual power. In a world under attack from testosterone-driven fundamentalism - I could have written exactly those same words before the events in Paris, but somehow they mean even more now - that is a religion even I might be tempted to join. Though how many Catholics I would find sitting next to me in the pews is a big question.
Inconceivable, clearly. In the real world, Francis' milder reforms have already hit a bedrock of opposition. Consider how little the recent family synod really moved its position on anything. Dragging one's heels is a powerful strategy used against a man who will be 80 next year.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Since Pius XII? I'd say it's fairly unrecognizable.
Yes and no. The true disaster was changing the Mass, but orthodoxy persisted, even under attack. And it had already been weakened by leftist moles, which was why it collapsed so quickly. Many of the bishops starting with the ringleader (gay) Bernardin were already corrupted.
But nothing has ever been as devastating as Francis, and I think we’re in big trouble.
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