Loading ...
For the sake of the relevance and growth of the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals might consider a man who, as pope, would champion more reasonable stances and help the church to become better suited for modern times. But that wouldn’t be the right move.
If the Catholic Church is to be the least bit credible, it can’t operate relative to the times or in a way that reacts to changing societal norms. It should stay exactly how it is — even if it may appear to some to be sexist, homophobic, closed-minded and/or antiquated.
Since, Catholics would argue, God’s primacy, God’s teachings and God’s expectations of man aren’t subject to change, the cardinals should not elect a man whose vision of the church is subject to change.
The cardinals should, however, strongly consider electing the first non-European pope in 1,272 years — especially since most of the Church’s recent growth has taken place in Mexico, South America, Western Africa and the Philippines.
Also, unlike the last time the conclave met, they should refrain from electing a cardinal with any history of covering up sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests.
-Chattanooga Free Press
Loading ...