An interview

What about the situation of divorced and remarried Catholics? Again, the synod looks set to largely reaffirm existing discipline?

In my experience, the synod fathers are far more conflicted on this question than on the viri probati. Many of the fathers, fully knowing and accepting the teaching of the church, nevertheless came back asking, what am I going to say to these wonderful people who find themselves in an awkward situation, who want to practice their faith and be good parents and yet find themselves in this situation? How do I deal with these people who come to me every day? What do I say to my pastors who face these challenges? How can I be true to the practices of the church, but help my priests to be sensitive and compassionate in their outreach? These are wonderful Catholics who come to you and say, “Bishop, I love my church and my faith, I was in an awful situation, I accept my responsibility, but now I’ve found a loving spouse and we have wonderful kids, and I want to be a practicing Catholic. Help me!” What do you say?

The draft of the message dealt with this question in a very open fashion. What do you think its final form will look like?

There were two strong views on that question expressed on the floor. I’m interested myself to see how it turns out.