[sinkspur]

Rome has the authority and, for that matter, good REASON to make the practices in question go away. The Bishops only need to heed authority--although, with a little work, I am sure they can ALSO find the reasoning behind the moves, when they happen.

If these retrogressions are imposed, I'm sure Rome will be able to advance arguments that will be accepted by clergy and laity alike. Right? Just like the overwhelming acceptance of Humanae Vitae?,

And I am absolutely sure that your obedience to Rome will prevail, too.

I can explain away altar girls, but not resricting communion in the hand nor communion under both kinds.

What's more, I won't even try.

[Aquinasfan]

Just like the overwhelming acceptance of Humanae Vitae?

And the overwhelming acceptance of the Church's position regarding abortion. Truth isn't found in counting noses.

[ninenot]

The progression of the Church from its current wandering in the desert toward Her destiny will be accompanied by Her progress in understanding and implementing liturgy. In a way, tossing altargirlies, and EEM's is like an alcoholic tossing the bottle. It was nice while it lasted--but it's not real.

Your insouciant indifference to authority comes as no surprise--you are the articulate leftist on these matters--and you'll get over the shock of it all.

BTW--the parallel between the disciples bailing after Christ's announcement of 'eating His flesh' and the disciples bailing after Humanae Vitae is really too obvious for me to bring to your attention, is it not, Deacon?

[The Iguana]

If these retrogressions are imposed, I'm sure Rome will be able to advance arguments that will be accepted by clergy and laity alike. Right? Just like the overwhelming acceptance of Humanae Vitae?

I take it then that you dissent from Humanae Vitae?

Whether you do or not, I wonder if you've considered the implications of this particular example.

Why is Humane Vitae not accepted among most of the American laity? Many reasons, to be sure. One of which is of course the reluctance of prelates to teach it.

In our sex-crazed society, however, it's surely not an easy sell even so.

Given recent surveys that suggest many Catholics do not believe in the Real Presence, I might suggest that the problem of dissent in the prelacy is a lot more widespread than contraception. And that perhaps Rome shouldn't necessarily follow (once again) the path of least resistance - which is to say doing what seems to be popular.