Electing a new Pope

[newstart2380]

Can we vote for Julia ? she seems to think she is G almighty.

[katydidthat]

Sure, Meep, good advice is good advice ... but, I'd rather MY advice is coming from someone who has "been there, done that" ... or is able to gain a genuine understanding of the issues by being empathetic/sympathetic. 

I should say, that my comments are coming from my experience and are not stating that things should change to suit me (LOL).  But, it's interesting debating the various issues that arise.

I know I left the Church because of profound differences I had with it back then.  I think the Church has changed in many ways since then, and mainly for the better (social justice, education, speaking out against government policies etc).  But, women remain very much second class citizens, child abuse is STILL being perpetrated and covered up, I don't like the anti-gay (and confused) attitudes, and I think many people admitted to the priesthood are there because of the shortage of good candidates - and they are inadequate.  

[katydidthat]

Az, she worked for a major relationship counselling service and was recommended to us as having over 25 years experience and being one of their best ... the point I was making was that she glossed over an issue that was important to ME because she had no experience in the area ... was she bad at her job?  I don't know ... clearly she was valued by her employers ... maybe she helped 99% of her clients?  

[azureline**]

Az, this is what I heard the other day ... 

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/child-sex-no-breach-of-virtue-some-priests-believe/story-e6frg6nf-1225859084751

Personally, I don't think it's acceptable to abuse or sexually abuse anyone ... 

There was also a view among some offenders with whom he had worked that a priest's celibacy vows weren't broken if a boy was involved.

"We've met it often enough to see it as a factor," he tells the magazine, out today. "That's what the vow of celibacy refers to, being married. If it's not an adult woman, then somehow they're not breaking their vow."

Offendors will always look for an excuse... I challenge the Bishops views. Perhaps he does not have a dictionary?

cel·i·ba·cy  (sl-b-s)n.

1. Abstinence from sexual intercourse, especially by reason of religious vows.

2. The condition of being unmarried.

[**meep**]

Eve: "I know it but I am referring to specific beliefs of my friend.  They are adults for a long time before they get baptised, they claim to live their lives according to the Bible so how do they live it according to the  Bible before they get baptised? 

As far as baptising babies, I don't have a problem with that either.  Naturally, parents want their children to belong to the Church. Its their responsibility. "

Well, quite apart from anything else, would you promise your daughter as a small baby/child to marry a certain man? ie Arranged marriage? No, I don't think do. Sorry, but I see no difference.

I do see a big difference.  One being a spiritual thing, denying a child to experience spirituality is not healthy IMO.  At what stage is it OK to  introduce Jesus in your child's life? 

What about my first question though (the first paragraph you quoted)  what do you think?

[**meep**]

Sure, Meep, good advice is good advice ... but, I'd rather MY advice is coming from someone who has "been there, done that" ... or is able to gain a genuine understanding of the issues by being empathetic/sympathetic. 

I should say, that my comments are coming from my experience and are not stating that things should change to suit me (LOL).  But, it's interesting debating the various issues that arise.

I know I left the Church because of profound differences I had with it back then.  I think the Church has changed in many ways since then, and mainly for the better (social justice, education, speaking out against government policies etc).  But, women remain very much second class citizens, child abuse is STILL being perpetrated and covered up, I don't like the anti-gay (and confused) attitudes, and I think many people admitted to the priesthood are there because of the shortage of good candidates - and they are inadequate.  

Fair enough, of course. Thank God we live in a society where we have choices.  

[godsandmen]

Catholics regard alcohol consumption as fine in moderation, but I've never seen any moderation at Catholic weddings.

[azureline**]

Catholics regard alcohol consumption as fine in moderation, but I've never seen any moderation at Catholic weddings.

I have never experienced one that wasn't in moderation. I have been to a few of other... and no.. denominations that were so bad we left early.

[katydidthat]

What I found with Catholic weddings was that you stood, sat, and knelt for an hour then you went to the reception and got drunk 🙂

I went to a Buddhist wedding ... the guests arrived to waitstaff waiting with glasses of wine and beer ... the ceremony proceeded as you tippled :^O

I think the bishop was talking about the "beliefs" of the abusers ... that THEY thought it was ok with little boys ... as you say, offenders will look for "justification".  

[**meep**]

Catholics regard alcohol consumption as fine in moderation, but I've never seen any moderation at Catholic weddings.

Neither have I and nor would I want to 😮  

What do nontrinitarians classed as?

[**meep**]

*are