Have you looked at the Vatican's contributions to UN Family Planning efforts, Joe? There is no question that the Church is obstructionist in ways that directly deleteriously impact efforts to reduce population growth in parts of the world that sadly need fewer babies.

I am concerned, too, that Benedict will prove a mighty foe of reconciliation among religions and within Christianity among denominations and confessions. It will be that much harder for us to join in Communion. (It'll be interesting on the last day to see which of these positions of Ratzinger's [and Rome's] will be the cause of the greater rebuking.)

Does post-Vatican II canon law allow for contrition and absolution when one follows the church's teaching?

Haruo