2008 Woodie Awards
The Catholic Church: An Institution In Need of Change
Shooting From The Left
Dan Murphy
Issue date: 4/22/05 Section: Commentary
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The papal election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was another in a series of disappointing decisions made by the Catholic Church. Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI, cracked the ideological whip for Pope John Paul II. He led the crusade to ban communion to Catholic politicians in the US who supported abortion rights. As a Catholic estranged from the church, I was hoping - even praying - that the church would reach out to its moderate and liberal members. It's unlikely that Benedict XVI will embrace the needed changes to church doctrine to keep the church and papacy relevant in the modern US. Religious institution should be dynamic, not static. For what its worth, I'd like to outline a few ways in which the Vatican can modernize and improve the Church.
The Catholic Church's contraception policy needs revision. An AIDS epidemic is sweeping the world, and condom use is the only hope to prevent the spread of deadly disease. By condemning contraception, the Vatican is sending a horrible message to its followers in Africa, where AIDS kills more people than in any other part of the world. Additionally, the Church's stance alienates young Catholics. Thankfully, many have ignored Vatican doctrine and have used contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If the Church continues its backwards policy on contraception, it will only alienate more young Catholics in the US and Europe.
As most Catholics can attest to, membership to the priesthood is declining. Soon, there will not be enough priests to fill parishes across the US and the globe. The celibacy requirement of the priesthood has surely hampered membership. Passing up family life for religious life is not a viable option for many American Catholics. By joining the priesthood, a young man closes many doors of opportunity, including the opportunity to raise a family. If the Vatican allowed priests to marry, I'd guarantee an immediate increase in seminary enrollment. There are many devout Catholic fathers and husbands who would certainly jump at the opportunity to serve their parishes and their church. If the church was interested in recruiting new priests, surely it would look into this.
The Catholic Church's contraception policy needs revision. An AIDS epidemic is sweeping the world, and condom use is the only hope to prevent the spread of deadly disease. By condemning contraception, the Vatican is sending a horrible message to its followers in Africa, where AIDS kills more people than in any other part of the world. Additionally, the Church's stance alienates young Catholics. Thankfully, many have ignored Vatican doctrine and have used contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If the Church continues its backwards policy on contraception, it will only alienate more young Catholics in the US and Europe.
As most Catholics can attest to, membership to the priesthood is declining. Soon, there will not be enough priests to fill parishes across the US and the globe. The celibacy requirement of the priesthood has surely hampered membership. Passing up family life for religious life is not a viable option for many American Catholics. By joining the priesthood, a young man closes many doors of opportunity, including the opportunity to raise a family. If the Vatican allowed priests to marry, I'd guarantee an immediate increase in seminary enrollment. There are many devout Catholic fathers and husbands who would certainly jump at the opportunity to serve their parishes and their church. If the church was interested in recruiting new priests, surely it would look into this.