text: Good points, Pat.  Dialogue takes the speaker speaking his/her truth, and a listener who opens his/her heart to that truth.  I think a lot of dialogue gets blocked by limitations on what Catholics are allowed to talk about in "listening" sessions with bishops.  Dialogue gets blocked when people won't open up.  And dialogue gets blocked when the listener discounts what her or she hears or dismisses it as just wrong.  
  
  I think if the Church does create forums for dialogue, the first few will need to be lead by someone who knows how to create the right atmosphere for those who want to speak their own truth and for those who need to hear that truth being spoken.  
  
  We all bring our own prejudices and fears and intentions into conversations.  It is not just bishops.  But bishops have the responsibility and the power and, I think, need to learn how to facilitate real dialogue.  At least, they do if they care about evangelizing and helping people live a faith filled life.