Pope Francis distributes surveys to Catholics on ‘modern questions’ including gay relationships

[Fearless]

The survey, launched earlier this month, asks questions on issues such as abortion, contraception, communion for the divorced, and same-sex sexual relationships.

The Independent reports that gathered feedback will be used to gauge the divisions between Church teachings and the beliefs and behaviours of its followers.

One of the questions in the survey asks how respondents how they feel on gay and lesbian Catholics having “intimate sexual relationships.”

It also asks: “In those cases where the Church’s teaching is known, is it accepted fully or are there difficulties in putting it into practice? If so, what are they?”


http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/11/15/pope-francis-distributes-surveys-to-catholics-on-modern-questions-including-gay-relationships/

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Can't wait to see how they spin the results of this one.

[Laelth]

1. To my knowledge this is unprecedented.

Anyone know differently?



-Laelth

[TexasProgresive]

2. I'm Catholic and I havn't see one of these

Who's getting them?

[TexasProgresive]

3. Oddly the bishops' conference of the UK posted it on their site

http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/family-synod-survey

But I can't seem to find it on the US bishops'' site.

Hmm, Perhaps American Catholics can't be trusted with such stuff.
Edited to add: I think the deadline for the survey is Nov 30, 2013.

[Plantaganet]

4. No need to bring their PR campaign into this group. n/t

[theHandpuppet]

5. Thank you. I would appreciate that also.

Last edited Mon Nov 18, 2013, 02:13 AM - Edit history (4)

I have found the atmosphere on General Discussion to be so toxic on these issues that I've taken a hiatus from even responding to such threads and GD in general, much less posting news that might contradict the carefully crafted and widely disseminated PR campaign. When pieces such as the poorly researched article in Pink get circulated, an article which is little more than a sanitized "news release", it does no one any favors, especially those to whom GLBT and women's rights are critically important.
So I would ask that rather than accept these "news releases" at face value, we should all pull back the curtain, dig a little deeper, ask questions. Has anyone on DU posted about the issues that were discussed at the recent U.S. Bishops Conference in Baltimore, issues that will directly affect us with regards to legislation on gay marriage, reproductive choice, health care, etc? I have... and you would be shocked.
How many have researched recent comments Francis has made regarding traditional marriage and gays, other than the oft-repeated litany that he's decided people should be nicer to us? I have... and you would not be flattered.
There are several portions of that article I could rebut with facts, but as to the topic of the questionnaire that so many have found exciting news, I will share this:
http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/vatican-asks-parish-level-input-synod-document
While Baldisseri asks in his letter for wide consultation on the questions, an accompanying letter sent with the U.S. version of the Vatican document does not request the American bishops undertake wide consultation in their dioceses.
That accompanying letter, dated Oct. 30, is sent from Msgr. Ronny Jenkins, the general secretary of the U.S. bishops' conference, and only asks the U.S. bishops to provide their own observations.

And that leads you to this....

http://www.scribd.com/doc/180575701/Vatican-questionnaire-for-the-synod-on-the-family
5. On Unions of Persons of the Same Sex
a) Is there a law in your country recognizing civil unions for people of the same-sex and equating in some way to marriage?
b) What is the attitude of the local and particular Churches towards both the State as the promoter of civil unions between persons of the same sex and people involved in this type of union?
c) What pastoral attention can be given to people who have chosen to live in these types of unions?
d) In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done in light of transmitting the faith?

The next section deals with the education of children in what they call “Irregular Marriages”.

Read carefully. Now maybe some of you don't find that insulting, but I do. And I have done enough research to have a score of links to articles about what is really in store for us.

There are many news reports of interest to us that never see the light of day on these forums; e.g., did you know that just a few days ago John Boehner granted meeting space in the U.S. Capitol to "The World Congress of Families" that has lavishly praised Russia's anti-gay laws? Check out this group and its leaders and see just who is openly lobbying its hate in the U. S. Capitol!
There is still a war going on, folks. A very well-funded, active war for "religious exemptions" that will affect us, the poor, women, children... do not be fooled into thinking you suddenly woke up in OZ. Pull back the curtain on the hype. Please. That's all I'm asking.
Thanks. That's all I have to say.

[Plantaganet]

6. Superb.

You've expressed it all perfectly here. I can only hope others will take note and wise up.

[Fearless]

8. I have not posted "PR" for the catholic church

You'll note I criticized the poll in my commentary. I welcome all criticism of the Catholic church and and do find their attempt at "winning back" people pathetic.

[Fearless]

7. Excuse me?

If you knew who I am, you'd know I'm an atheist. If you read my commentary, you'd realize I was bashing the church. And finally, you don't decide who writes what in this group. This is a free forum for ALL topics relevant to LGBT rights. The Catholic church is one of these topics when their doctrine conflicts with LGBT rights. I am WELL within my rights to post this here.

[theHandpuppet]

9. Yes, I am well aware you are a big supporter of LGBT rights

And I thank you for your many posts in support of GLBT rights. My post was not meant as some kind of personal attack, just a call for all folks to examine more closely news reports of this type. My apologies if my post caused offense.
As with GD, I think it's probably best I just forget posting here for a while. I see no way to debate or respond to this subject without causing offense to someone.

[Fearless]

10. The comment you just responded to was not directed to you.

I don't think you were trying to offend me. I'll always enjoy good debate... unfortunately I think we're on the same side of this one.

[theHandpuppet]

11. Rereading my post, I realize it was poorly worded and I will edit.

I can see how you would have taken my post personally and it was a case of poor writing on my part.

[TexasProgresive]

12. Well, The US laity has done and end run around the bishops.

Here's the survey for the US. The dead line is Dec 15.
www.surveymonkey.com/s/SynodOnFamilyUS

[Plantaganet]

13. Read response #4.

[Fearless]

14. You don't decide who posts what.

It would be fitting, for instance, for LGBT DU'ers to DU the fuck out of that survey.

[Plantaganet]

15. ...and that would accomplish?

[Fearless]

16. If people do not speak up for what is right, what is right is never spoken up for.

[Plantaganet]

17. True.

For what it's worth, I really do apologize for misunderstanding your intentions with this post. I read it too quickly and assumed too much. My fault entirely. I was out of line.

Participating in the survey is... an option. I don't think it will change anything, though, because religion is incapable of change.