Cross-post from LBN: Vatican to debate teachings on divorce, birth control, gay unions

[rug]

Henry Chu
April 30, 2014, 5:00 a.m.

Reporting from Vatican City—

Contraception, cohabitation, divorce, remarriage and same-sex unions: They're issues that pain and puzzle Roman Catholics who want to be true to both their church and themselves.

Now those issues are about to be put up for debate by their leader, a man who appears determined to push boundaries and effect change.

On Pope Francis' orders, the Vatican will convene an urgent meeting of senior clerics this fall to reexamine church teachings that touch the most intimate aspects of people's lives. Billed as an "extraordinary" assembly of bishops, the gathering could herald a new approach by the church to the sensitive topics.

The run-up to the synod has been extraordinary in itself, a departure from usual practice that some say is a mark of the pope's radical new leadership style, and a canny tactic to defuse dissent over potential reforms.

http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-vatican-family-20140430,0,6157008.story#ixzz30THgIrGu

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014793117

This will probably be locked as it is not breaking news but it's a very important article.

[Goacher]

1. Okay

I am by nature a pessimist, but let's see where this goes!

[rug]

2. The LBN hosts left it open.

It's too bad it turned into the usual pissing contest.

I shake my head often at the lack of substantive discussion that goes on.

[Goacher]

3. Well

Tell me something

Do you find that discussion in real life (amongst friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers) is more substantive? Or is it even more difficult to talk about things?

[rug]

4. Definitely. It's hard to posture when you're face to face.

[Goacher]

5. Sure

But I assume the opposite is also true - people are more reluctant to bring up heavy topics in person...

I dunno, I feel like that's been my experience anyway

[rug]

6. I suppose it depends on who you're discussing it with.