Some newsworthy items regarding the Fall meeting of the USCCB...
* The document reaffirming the Church's position against certain 'reproductive technologies', including in vitro fertilization (IVF), has been approved. The document hopes to clear up confusion, because as one Cardinal noted, some mistaken persons wrongly consider "any method of making babies" to be "pro-life"
* The directive regarding nutrition and hydration for the sick has been approved, confirming that there is, "as a general rule", an obligation to "provide patients with food and water, including medically assisted nutrition and hydration for those who cannot take food orally" which "extends to patients in chronic conditions (e.g., the 'persistent vegetative state') who can reasonably be expected to live indefinitely if given such care." The document also indicates certain instances where this obligation would no longer apply.
* The pastoral letter on marriage - "part of a campaign launched in 2004 to counter the breakup of traditional families" - has been approved. The letter condemns c*ntraception & homosexual 'marriages' and addresses divorce and cohabitation (which "involves the serious sin of fornication" and "is always wrong and objectively sinful"). Not surprisingly, it also - many argue, dangerously - "encourages" use of NFP, which they claim promotes "an attitude of respect and wonder" (as opposed to trusting in God's providence?). Some other "pastoral language" in the document is equally...um, interesting.
* The new translation of the Roman Missal (Novus Ordo) has finally been approved. The translation - which corrects some decades-old translation errors - is said to be more faithful to the official Latin edition. The proposed translation must be confirmed by the Vatican before implementation.
* A preliminary report to the bishops claims evidence does not show that homosexual priests are more likely to abuse children. Despite the fact that the "overwhelming majority" of victims have been male, researchers claim they "do not find a connection between homosexual identity [of clergy] and the increased likelihood of subsequent abuse from the data that we have right now." Unbelievably, they attribute the homosexual actions on "access" to boys rather than to "homosexual identity." A full report is expected to be released by the end of next year.
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