I can speak knowingly about the Catholic church in America, having converted to Catholocism as an adult (and de-converted later.) I've fallen, but I can get up.

The Catholic church is anything but monolithic in the United States. I'm sorry that that weakens the comforting assertion that all Catholics are ruled in a completely authoritarian way. But, it is simply not true, so repeatedly making those claims either suggest prejudice or ignorance. Neither are platable options.

When I was a Catholic, I attended masses where the communion was given using white Wonder Bread (kinda a neat conjunction of concepts) and coca cola. Did Rome approve? Rome Schmome. Many, many, many Catholics reject the teaching that the use of contraceptives is a sin. Many use them. The Roman church at one point (and perhaps to this day) said that a divorced person could not receive communion, yet it knowingly happens all the time. I liked the "Home masses" because of their informality, lack of ritual and warmth. Others find ritual comforting or reassuring. That's fine, too. I found plenty of room within the American Catholic church for differences on major theological issues. I realize that my experience with the Catholic church is very different than it might be in a small village in Italy. I realize that my experience is only my experience, nothing more. If we all respect each others experiences, then we can gain a more honest udnerstanding of the issues. If that's what we are looking for.

Jerry