“Lack of confidence in the family is the first cause of the crisis of the family.”| Carl E. Olson | CWR
Further thoughts on the Synod, reporting on the Synod, and having a long-term perspective
• "The Synod of Bishops on Friday entered its decisive second phase," states a report from CNA/EWTN, "with the formation of small groups which are to come to decisions which will be synthesized into the synod's concluding 'relatio.'" That relatio will provide the basis for what will be discussed next year at the ordinary synod on the family; it will "be presented Oct. 13 by Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, who is serving as general rapporteur for the Synod of Bishops."
John Thavis reports that "Pope Francis has named six additional prelates to help write the revised relatio for the Synod of Bishops, to be released Monday." The six includes Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, DC; they "will assist Cardinal Peter Erdo, the primary drafter of the relatio, and two other synod officials, in the task of summing up the first week of spirited synod debate in a document that will form the basis for future discussion."
Thavis adds: "At the risk of oversimplifying, they all seem to be on the pope’s wavelength when it comes to promoting pastoral mercy." Because—wink, wink—there are a number of bishops who don't really care about pastoral mercy. They choke on the word "mercy." They hate mercy so much they refuse to dine in French restaurants, for fear they may have to say, "Merci," which apparently sounds a lot like "mercy".
• If that sounds like an overreaction to Thavis' oversimplification, consider the veteran Vatican reporter also wrote, in another post today, that Cardinal Raymond Burke, "has become the 'Dr. No' of this synod..." How so? Because he had the audacity to express concern about how families might be put in positions where they are pressured to condone same-sex relationships and homosexuality. Thavis also takes a jab at some of the married couples, from various Catholic lay movements, who have addressed the synod: "They have endorsed church teachings, saying sexuality should reflect the 'plan of God' and not the consumerist and selfish model of the world. No one doubts their sincerity, but perhaps the synod might have invited some other voices as well." Perhaps Andrew Sullivan? Good grief.
LifeSiteNews.com reports that Cardinal Burke said the following:
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