[Tantumergo]

"That's not true and you know it."

It may be speculation, but its not necessarily "not true".

Why would anybody, after 2,000 years (longer if you count the worship of the Jews in the tabernacle and temple) want to turn the altar around to face the congregation, if they really understood the biblical concept of worship and sacrifice?

The fact that 74% wanted the priest to face them rather than face East, merely illustrates that 74% were malformed in their faith.

People who are malformed in their faith are far more likely to be members of the 80-90% or so who have ceased practicing their faith in the springtime we have had since the Council.

(Admittedly, 80-90% apostasy are the rough figures for the UK - the situation over there in the US may be much better)

[broadsword]

...the 80-90% or so who have ceased practicing their faith in the springtime we have had since the Council.

Well put, my friend. And don't forget the many religious orders that have simply died out and the high numbers of active Amchurchers who deny the real presence, and who contracept, divorce and abort at the same rate as the pagans around them. If this abysmal failure is the springtime, I just can't wait for winter! Gee wiz!

[sinkspur]

Why would anybody, after 2,000 years (longer if you count the worship of the Jews in the tabernacle and temple) want to turn the altar around to face the congregation, if they really understood the biblical concept of worship and sacrifice?

Did the Lord turn His back on His apostles at the Last Supper?

If we are "doing this in Memory of Me," it makes sense to gather in the faithful, as Jesus did.

In fact, if you know how the Eucharist was celebrated in the Early Church, you know that it was not done in imitation of Melchisedech.

The fact that 74% wanted the priest to face them rather than face East, merely illustrates that 74% were malformed in their faith.

With all due respect, those who prefer the current manner of celebration are not, by that preference, "malformed in the faith."

You know the Didache, do you not?