I think there are 3 threads dealing with this subject. That's not a complaint...it's a subject worth discussing.
"Philip Lawler, who was editor of The Pilot from 1986 to 1988 and is now editor of Catholic World Report, called the editorial "very unusual" for raising questions about church doctrine instead of administrative issues. "
IMHO this is akin to a military commander asking his troops what they think about the U.C.M.J. It just does nothing to resolve the problems, and only "stirs" resentment.
What on earth are those people thinking?
They are not thinking. The Bishops are in a panic. The cat is out of the bag and there's no way to put it back in. They are scrambling to dig themselves out of a very deep hole. Turning the spotlight on the celibacy issue is a diversionary tactic dreamed up by their spin doctors, and it will not work. The press has their teeth into this scandal, and this time they will not let go. Just read the article in the NY Times. My Church is in turmoil, and deservedly so, for not attending to this matter 30 years ago.
Church Is Reeling