NBC News: “Pope Francis is shaking things up again. The pontiff with a penchant for surprises is making new waves by launching a survey of his flock on issues facing modern families — from gay marriage to divorce. Very specific questions are being sent to parishes around the globe in preparation for next year’s synod of bishops, a grassroots effort that experts say is unprecedented. … Vatican watchers say Francis’ polling attempt is extraordinary on two levels: first, because it seeks input from rank-and-file Roman Catholics and second, because it touches on issues that might have been considered off-limits in past papacies. … The document sent to every nation’s conference of bishops notes that the ancient church and its members are grappling with ‘concerns which were unheard of until a few years ago.’ Same-sex unions, mixed marriages, single-parent families and surrogate mothers are all mentioned in the prelude to a list of questions that get into the nitty-gritty of 21st century life.”
A Sampling of the Qs:
“What pastoral attention can be given to people who live in these types of [same-sex] union?”
“In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done pastorally in light of transmitting the faith?”
“Do [the divorced and remarried] feel marginalized or suffer from the impossibility of receiving the sacraments?”
“In cases where non-practicing Catholics or declared non-believers request the celebration of marriage, describe how this pastoral challenge is dealt with.”
Your daily pope
If this guy’s not careful, I may end up actually liking him. It’s been so long since I’ve heard a Christian of his stature actually practice Christian principles. Actually, it’s enough to make me worry for him. We’ve seen what fundamentalists of any ‘religion’ are capable of.
If you are implying that he may be putting his life in danger by seemingly moving away from some of the Church’s most hidebound principles and practices, then I’d agree.
And still not even a glimmer that maybe somebody ought to think about having a pre-meeting to discuss a meeting where they could engage in discussing an agenda to approach the point that perhaps women should have control over their own bodies.
Aargh.
Nice as it is that he’s at least thinking about thinking of some of this other stuff, until they deal with that central, bedrock, utterly fundamental human rights issue, it’s all reversible window dressing. (Really. Control over your own body — no matter what gender you are — is essential before marriage or sacraments mean any more than the paper they’re printed on.)