Where are the BISHOPS?

[Ender]

Then I cannot explain why the majority of American Catholics and Catholics elsewhere do not accept some things, and yet remain within the Church. It’s a mystery, which may someday be revealed to us.

Well you have me there: I can’t explain it either. But - and this goes to the issue the OP raised - it is reasonable to ask why the bishops haven’t made this point.

Ender

 

[DCNBILL]

Then I cannot explain why the majority of American Catholics and Catholics elsewhere do not accept some things, and yet remain within the Church. It’s a mystery, which may someday be revealed to us.

Having talked to many of them it would seem that they do understand that the Church does indeed possess the truth and that they understand themselves to have the desire the “pulling of their hearts” to enter into that truth as well. This is why they remain within the Church, they know in their innermost self what is right and they need the way to fully realize these truths and the see the Church as the means to do this.

 

[StAnastasia]

Well you have me there: I can’t explain it either. But - and this goes to the issue the OP raised - it is reasonable to ask why the bishops haven’t made this point. Ender

They probably stay because they realize that even with the prohibition on ABC, much of what the church teaches makes sense.

 

[KSU]

“[The lay faithful] do not respect judgments about ABC made by celibate males who will themselves never become pregnant.”—StAnastasia

Could you please give a couple of examples of the bishops’ judgements about ABC not respected by the faithful?

Also, what would the faithful prefer our bishops be if not celibate males?

 

[StAnastasia]

"[The lay faithful]Could you please give a couple of examples of the bishops’ judgements about ABC not respected by the faithful?

I can only speak for my own parish and Catholic school. In my conversations with numerous parents – who are in other respects faithful Catholics and regular participants in the liturgy and sacraments – there is a general disregard for the prohibition on employment of ABC within marriage by couples who have been very open to having children, but who now do not wish to increase their family size. I am suggesting that it could be instructive to discuss with such Catholics (1) why they still consider themselves faithful Catholics, and (2) why they consider sexuality so important that they continue to have sex rather than simply abstaining from sex after their children are born, and (3) why they hold NFP in general disregard.

Also, what would the faithful prefer our bishops be if not celibate males?

Many in our parish wish that the ministerial priesthood would be opened to married men and women. They realize it is not like to happen, but they wish it.

 

[KSU]

“I can only speak for my own parish and Catholic school. In my conversations with numerous parents – who are in other respects faithful Catholics and regular participants in the liturgy and sacraments – there is a general disregard for the prohibition on employment of ABC within marriage by couples who have been very open to having children, but who now do not wish to increase their family size. I am suggesting that it could be instructive to discuss with such Catholics (1) why they still consider themselves faithful Catholics, and (2) why they consider sexuality so important that they continue to have sex rather than simply abstaining from sex after their children are born, and (3) why they hold NFP in general disregard.”–StAnastasia

Thanks; that’s what I was hoping you meant.

 

[KSU]

Where are the BISHOPS? Here’s one:

Catholic World News
Minnesota: archbishop battles clergy dissent on marriage amendment
January 18, 2012

With Catholic Church leaders in Minnesota enthusiastically supporting a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would safeguard marriage, Archbishop John Nienstedt has warned his priests that “open dissension” will not be tolerated.

One priest who has challenged the archbishop on that point, Father Mike Tegeder, has reportedly been warned that he could be suspended from ministry if he continues to oppose the amendment campaign.