Voice of the Faithful ®

“Much of the social agenda that church reformers like the Hydars (Sister Mary Robert and Fr. John Hydar, now married) advocate — full ordination of women, full equality for gays, an end to the widely ignored prohibition on birth control — is so entangled in past papal proclamations and historical precedents that I doubt Francis will take the issues on. An apostolic exhortation the pope released last week was a heartfelt appeal for inclusiveness — but on the Vatican’s familiar terms. There is one issue, however, where the internal politics, while difficult, are less difficult, where the case for reform is pressing, and where there are hints that Francis may be inclined to change. That is priestly celibacy.” By Bill Keller, Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times — Click here to read the rest of Keller’s commentary.