The author used the term in the title of the article. It was the central point of the article. The author said civil war clearly and repeatedly as if this is what he meant. If he meant something else why did he not say it?
What is civil war supposed to be a metaphor for? The author gave no indication whatsoever.
Of course people in the parishes disagree on things. They would not be human if they did not.
But it is their financial contributions and their volunteering of time that keeps the Catholic church going. They do the work and pay the bills. They have no inclination whatsoever towards “civil war” as the author puts it.
I am glad you agree with me that the author was unfair to Cardinal Burke. I also feel he was unfair to almost all Catholics.
It concerns me if the Bishops and Cardinals are not united in supporting church teaching. I do not know how strong the disagreement is but neither do most Catholics. In fact, other than at Confirmation, most Catholics never meet a Bishop or Cardinal in their entire lives. They have no interaction with them, don't know their views and at most hear a recording of one of them speaking asking for money.
There is no civil war, There will not be one. The author is simply ignorant about the faith of most Catholics.