This isn’t a matter of ignorance. An order has gone out, probably from the New York Times, mandating the gender-neutral word “them.” What is shocking is that EVERYONE, including Catholics, has fallen in line.
I’ve seen “they” used when the antecedent is “SON”!
I've seen that, too. Ridiculous. I hadn't thought about its being the new, liberal marching orders.
Sigh...