With all due respect to the leadership, I believe the U.S. bishops’ conference is quietly taking extraordinary actions that curtail our sacred social mission.

“The general disposition of the church is one of hospitality, openness and welcome,” writes Archbishop John Wester. “Refusing to baptize children of same-sex couples is not in keeping with this outreach and I find it quite troubling.”

We spend billions each year on avoiding pain through pharmaceuticals or self-medicating through alcohol and drugs. But we must not forget that pain and suffering are not the enemy.

The U.S. bishops responds to 'Cul-de-Sac Catholicism'