Amid allegations of abuse by Catholic priests, some in the liberal news media have taken the opportunity to push for liberal “reforms” in the church, even though those supposed reforms contradict church doctrine.
On March 27, liberal New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd [1] joined them by calling for a female pope and other changes to what she called a “paternalistic and autocratic culture.”
“If the church could throw open its stained glass windows and let in some air, invite women to be priests, nuns to be more emancipated and priests to marry, if it could banish criminal priests and end the sordid culture of men protecting men who attack children, it might survive,” Down wrote. “It could be an encouraging sign of humility and repentance, a surrender of arrogance, both moving and meaningful.”
Dowd also argued in her headline and first sentence for a female pope — which she dubbed a “Nope. A nun who is pope.”
While the allegations are horrific, allowing a nun to be pope clearly violates Catholic doctrine. Making women priests and allowing marriage for priests would also violate doctrines of the church. It is unclear what impact those liberal suggestions would have on the current allegations.
Dowd also couldn't resist attacking Pope Benedict in her column. She called him “sin-crazed” and complained that he was “anything but infallible.” She also pointed out that as Cardinal, Pope Benedict's nickname was “God's Rottweiler.”
Recent media calls for left-wing changes to the church began March 25 on ABC's “World News.” That night, Jim Scuitto emphasized such reforms saying: “There are liberal-minded Catholics calling for radical changes, including elevating women to leadership positions and allowing married priests.”
The next day CNN's Kyra Phillips interviewed Dan Bartley, Francis DeBernardo, and Reverend Serene Jones, who all advocated for allowing women to become priests and “acceptance of homosexual behavior.” Despite church teachings on these issues, Phillips failed to include anyone opposed to the dramatic changes her panel argued for, according to Newsbusters [2].
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