11/19/16 Comments are still open and maybe even more relevant today in light of Burke & company's actions this past week.  I found it interesting that Cdl. Farrell spoke so much of the laity "needing a voice," and I've written that same thing at least 100 times here over the years.  While it's true that we have no direct, official channel through which we can be heard, I think one only has to look at the ubiquitous statistics and "see" how millions of us have spoken -- not with our voices but with our feet -- oven the past 50+ years.  

We've said clearly, seriously and with finality that HV was wrong, that couples share in creation with God and family planning occurs, within conscience rights, in that union.  We've said our LGBT selves, children, friends and family deserve all the rights, respect and privileges that accompany baptism into the Church.  We've said women are equal in humanity and baptism -- and ministry.  We've asked for accountability for child abuse. We're not heard.