The Catholic church may be like your parents with rules you agree with or not, but, unlike your parents, in most cases, the Catholic church can and does exert tremendous pressure around the world for conformity to its rules. I would think that the majority of its members are still following the tenets of the Pope with blind faith, esp. those in underdeveloped or developing countries.

You are certainly entitled to whatever brings you comfort, but I think it is naive to believe that the Pope is going to heed a few unsettled Americans, etc. and totally turn over the teachings. Also, isn't it hypocrticial to belong to a church and not follow its teachings? I have Catholic relatives who take everything the church teaches with a grain of salt. That to me is hypocritical and also does nothing to encourage growth in consciousness, for the church as a whole or as an indiviual. Sorry, if that offends any of you, it is my opinion.

blt, I am enjoying your posts esp. Very well said. I've come out before somewhere in the threads as bisexual. (I even made it up to the final cut of the first definitive book of bisexual experiences, "Bi Any Other Name: Bisexual People Speak Out.") I am sorry I didn't saying anything earlier in this thread. I guess it was partly out of fear and out of pain, but also partly because this is an issue I speak out on, a lot, at every opportunity, and this time I felt I needed to be quieter and watch.

Bi, for now and always,

kat