Damien Thompson Hits His Thumb | National Catholic Reporter

Damien Thompson Hits His Thumb | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: Once the Spectator is cited as having the article being criticized, you know its going to be bloody.  I am quite sure that the cleric in the know about curial moral is in a state of low morale, if not fear, as our his colleagues.  Fear usually comes when knowledge and trust are not present - and the Pope's reform council is most likely playing things close to the vest.  Also, lack of trust often comes from a certain untrustworthiness - and if that cleric is named Law, Burke or Rigali, that kind of hits the nail on the head.  What they most fear is not loss of position, but lost of a system where position and orthodoxy are important - especially on pelvic issues.  As for the American Church having fire in the belly on the right wing - that fire in the belly is partisan, from supporting an abortion plank that won't win (so it is perfect for fundraising and getting out the vote) to going along with defeating a perfectly decent Republican health care plan passed by Obama (with a few tweeks raising the funds by taxing high income GOP donors - who also contribute to the Chruch), the issue really is more partisan than the Jesuits v. the Jansenists.  I am sure they also fear that the dominos will also fall on the ultimate pelvic issue, woman priests.  This pope won't do it, but I am sure they think that any change in doctrine will shake this issue loose in a way they abhor with all of their beings.