[NYer]

Synod proposes greater vocations efforts, no easing of celibacy rules (+ many other proposals!)

[NYer]

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[OpusatFR]

"... just the right man to loosen rigid doctrinal policy after the quarter century of John Paul II's traditionalist ways."

Hunh...and all the time I thought doctrine was wayyyyy older than that...

[BelegStrongbow]

I'm probably going to be considered naive in this, but I've read Time for years and this is the most even-handed report on orthodox belief I've seen. Granted the writers clearly lean left, but they report responsibly and realistically.

That is not the same as understanding that homosexuality is not a choice as lightly freighted with moral damage as, say, chocolate versus vanilla, but it is also not the same as cheerleading for the deconstruction of the Church.

In Christ,
Deacon Paul+

[wagglebee]

Somebody needs to teach these idiots in the media that the Church is not a democracy, it does not care about public opinion polls and decisions of the Holy Father are final. Benedict was a conservative in line with JPII or he would have been removed from his assignment, and his peers knew he was conservative when the chose him to lead the Church. The media needs to get used to the idea that the Vatican is not going to follow the secular humanist road to Hell that many Protestant denominations have taken.

[TxBec]

"Also, after much discussion, little change is likely in the Church's denial of the Communion to divorced Catholics"

Communion isn't denied if you are divorced and have remained single (and celibate).

[Unam Sanctam]

The Catholic Faith is based on divinely revealed truths as handed down in Scripture and Tradition and authoritatively interpreted by the Magisterium. There is no requirement or need to "update" anything in accordance with "modern" opinions abroad in society. If you want Protestantism or Unitarianism or New Age, go and find that elsewhere. Why does the Catholic Church have to change her beliefs? Does the media go around lecturing orthodox Jews or Sunni Moslems that they must change their beliefs?

[ELS]

the recent visit in China of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick

He really gets around ... China ... Louisiana ... I wonder how much time he spends in DC.

[SirLinksalot]

Benedict was John Paul II's doctrinal adviser and had the former Pope's ear in almost all matters pertaining to faith and practgice. Do you expect Church policies to be different between them ?

Doctrinally speaking, what we simply have is a CONTINUATION of what has been going on for the past 28 years.

[karnage]

Anyone who has read the writings of Benedict over the past 35 years will know that his profound understanding of, and deep commitment to, the doctrine and teachings of the Church will ensure that his papacy strengthens orthodoxy. He is a great man and just what the Church needs right now.