“...the bishops, for the most part, have not done their job. With a few exceptions, how many Catholic politians have we seen even given the THREAT of excommunication for their public scandal? Catholics see many of their leaders are not serious about the teachings of Christ, so neither are they.”
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While they are definitely moving in the right direction under Benedict, you are correct, it needs to be MUCH more serious, well-defined and with the punishment of excommunication attached.
The Church’s beliefs are what they are. What are they waiting for?
That's a good question. I think you could say there are a number of reasons, such as the recent pedophile scandal and being more concerned about being a CEO rather than a teacher and defender of the faith. There are notable exceptions, of course. I questioned the priest who gave the homily at last Sunday's Mass on why this was not mentioned, and he just shrugged. I think they are afraid to appear to "force" other people to have principles or to speak out about politics. I had expected at least a bulletin flier, but saw nothing. One guy even wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper ("I can vote for Obama because...") that got a lot of comments, but no response from the local clergy. I am hoping the next group of priests will take their positions as shepherds a bit more seriously.
I think it is going to take a serious change in culture, beginning at the top. When people see the American bishops thumbing their noses at the pope for the last 40 years, is it surprising that Catholics do the same towards their bishops? And the bishops (even liberals) complain?
Duh?
Regards