Sam, thanks for that feedback from someone who is there.  I only read about what is happening and the "normal" is not news, only what is not "normal."  

I think there is a greater willingness of people from within the Church and from lay people involved in promoting change to speak up.  I also think there is a greater willingness of those who don't usually say anything to speak up and be clear that they don't agree with the bishops.  10-20 years ago we were all so much more circumspect about publicly disagreeing with bishops and popes.  Now I think we have found speaking out is necessary.  In part that necessity comes from the abysmal way the bishops mishandled the sex abuse scandal and are now fighting against what is an important civil change - a recognition of the full citizenship and rights of LGBT people.  The bishops are blind - again - to the human pain they are causing.  

Here is hoping more people speak from their minds and hearts, start these conversations.