Posted on 04/19/2005 5:13:20 PM PDT by Alex Marko
BOSTON (Reuters) - Liberal U.S. Catholics on Tuesday expressed dismay at the choice of a conservative new pope and doubted he will heal an institution racked by disillusionment and tarnished by a sex abuse scandal among the clergy.
The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI rankled those who advocate married priests, a bigger role for women within the church and softening its policy on homosexuality, birth control, euthanasia and abortion.
Since taking over the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as the Roman Catholic Church's chief ideologue, Ratzinger has denounced homosexuality and even branded other Christian churches as deficient.
"Gay and lesbian Catholics are going to be very hurt by this election because Cardinal Ratzinger was the lightning rod for so much of the anger they felt under the previous pope," said Francis DeBernardo, executive director of the New Ways Ministry, a national ministry for lesbian and gay Catholics.
Under the Pope John Paul II, American Catholics' attendance at weekly Mass declined as many were put off by what they saw as increasingly conservative Vatican doctrine.
The sense of alienation deepened with a well-publicized scandal over pedophile priests, which erupted in 2002 in the Archdiocese of Boston as court documents showed bishops shuttled pedophile priests from parish to parish.
Victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy reacted skeptically to word that Ratzinger was the new pope.
"Ratzinger is a polarizing figure to many, who seems to prefer combativeness to compromise and compassion," Mary Grant of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said in a statement. "It's ... crucial that the new pope follow the words and views of John Paul II who said 'there is no place in the priesthood for anyone who would harm the young."'
MORE OF THE SAME
Catholics for a Free Choice, a progressive group based in Washington, laid out an action plan for the new pontiff to pursue in his first 100 days with the goal of healing fractures within the church.
It urged the new pope to appoint a commission to review church policy on condoms, to establish a pontifical academy on women's rights in the church, and to welcome back those marginalized over the last quarter-century -- including gays and lesbians.
But those familiar with Ratzinger said to expect more of the same, and they doubted he would tailor his views to adapt to the liberal forces evident in the U.S. church.
"This is the guy who's been in charge of stifling dissent in the church," said lawyer Carmen Durso, who represented dozens of plaintiffs in clergy abuse lawsuits against the Boston archdiocese.
"This says to me that the Vatican ... is not prepared to move into the 21st Century, which it desperately needs to do," said Durso, who was raised Catholic but no longer practices.
Christine Schenk, a nun from Cleveland, Ohio, who favors opening the priesthood to married men, said she was disappointed and puzzled by Ratzinger's selection, but she saw glimmers of hope.
Schenk explained that Ratzinger had never ruled out the idea of married priests, and that the church is facing a deepening shortage of priests -- so he may be forced to act.
In a 2004 document, Ratzinger denounced "radical feminism" as undermining the family and natural differences between men and women.
Asked if there was anything in his background that gave her hope that Ratzinger would build a stronger partnership with women in the church, Quinn said: "We always hope for miracles".
Didn't you see the smoke coming from St. Peter's? That was the Vatican's response to their "action plan".
I'm watching the replay on EWTN right now!
AND doing the happy dance!
Exactly!
Just got back from a wake. One of my fellow CCD teacher's mom passed away, so I went to pay my respects.
Here's a shocker... I am thinking of entering the deaconite program in a few years. My CCD teacher and I spent some time talking about this, as he is thinking along the same lines.
There is a crowd of angels clamoring for their wings today! And backlogged for the forseeable future!
So many things have happened over the past few years that seem to be driving me in that direction.
I think we all, at least most of us, have come to a more devout approach to our faith, don't you think?
Just goes to show that he's the PERFECT choice!
Good for you!!!
Still lots of thought and prayer contine.
I am heartened, and inspired by our new Holy Father. I think Pope JPII has left the legacy that will continue for years to come.
Well, here's a shocker for you. I am calling the local parish tomorrow to inquire about instruction for joining the Roman Catholic Church.
Agree. At least we've learned to see beyond shallowness and as a consequence we've become more mature.
Good for you, too!!! You have an exciting time ahead of you!
I have been feeling this call for quite a while, but the last month has convinced me I should make this effort.
Well, don't wait too long!! Most dioceses have a 3-4 year preparation program. Lots of weekends, and your wife will be asked to attend several weekends with you.
Keep us informed of your journey so we can pray for you along the way.
The best obedience grows from love. All of Catholicism grows from and points back to Christ. As you pray and thus as your love for Him grows, obedience will turn from a command to a delight.
Keep praying!
Now for a discussion of the Latin roots of the phrase "neener neener"
If you have a trusted and close Catholic friend or relative, you should honor them by asking him/her to sponsor you. The Church does not want you to make this journey of faith alone.
And, keep us informed, so that we can pray and be with you as you join this wonderful Body of Christ!
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