When and if the US Bishops call for a Plenary Council with (name removed by moderator)ut from laity, I’ll worry about it then.
The reality is that Americans are constantly giving the priests and bishops (name removed by moderator)ut on how the Church should be run and what the Church should do and how they feel the Holy Spirit is moving the Church and why doesn’t the bishop or priest understand their POV and do what they want. People in USA never shut up from telling priests and bishops what they should be doing. You see it right here on this forum. Right now most of the bishops have all ten fingers in the dyke trying to keep the lights on, the necessary ministries to everyone going with fewer staff, and deal with the abuse/ coverup/ McCarrick scandals, plus other scandals like priests and staff who have addictions or embezzle money. I don’t see how a conference where Sally Soccer Mom gives her opinion on hot button issues is going to help the US church. Sally is probably not going to get her way and there’s a good chance she’ll be miffed and quit going to Mass or quit contributing to the collection.
I have no idea what a “mimetic contagion” is. All I know is the reality I see in my own country for years now. People want all kinds of different things and they are all overy the map with their wants. For every person who wants to see married priests, or LGBTQ welcomed to Mass, or Gregorian chant music, there’s somebody else who wants the opposite. And half the stuff people want is currently outright forbidden by the Vatican, so what is the point of wishing for it?
I always feel such discussions are just a sop to make people feel more involved, but ultimately pointless as we have little to no control over what the Church does. And I myself have accepted that. Others not so much.
It’s fine if you love this idea of plenary councils but don’t carry on like we’re all supposed to embrace the notion for our countries. I’d prefer it if the Church in USA would quit taking (name removed by moderator)ut from Sally Soccer Mom and just get back to prayer, spirituality, stability. I’m out.