“Ask a Priest: Why Can’t the Church Be More Flexible?”
Q: How can a Church so old and proud continue to function and reach out to people in today’s world? It seems that the faith is losing more than it is gaining by not allowing certain beliefs or values into the faith. I am not saying to change faith as a whole. But be more accepting of everyone. Isn’t Jesus merciful to all? He loves us all, as I was told and taught in CCD. So why does the Church stay with doctrines that are over 2,000 years old? Some don’t seem relevant anymore. – J.D.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: The Church teaches what Jesus has revealed. Certainly his message of mercy is a key part of what he revealed.
He also came to call people to repentance. In fact, his first words in the Gospel according to Mark were “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (1:15). Note that word “repent.”
The Church recently had a Year of Mercy to remind people of Our Lord’s desire to wipe away their sins. A vital part of that part was an invitation to avail themselves of the sacrament of confession.
I’m not sure what you mean by “not allowing certain beliefs or values into the faith.” There can be flexibility in the way the Church presents the faith. Pope Francis has exhorted the clergy and the laity to find new ways of reaching out to people on the margins of the faith.
But there are certain core teachings the Church simply cannot or will not compromise — teachings about the sanctity of human life, for instance, or the indissolubility of marriage between a man and a woman.
The Church is here to present the fullness of the Gospel message. It might not always do so perfectly — it does have a fallible human dimension — but it will protect the deposit of faith. For this it relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
On a practical note, it’s unlikely that the Church would gain many members even if it could change its core teachings. Denominations that have altered key Christian teachings have been declining for decades.
Church historian James Hitchcock put it well when he wrote, “The Church loses credibility not because it insists on teaching ‘outmoded’ doctrines but because it lacks the courage to continue teaching what it knows to be true.”
If the Church is old and proud, it’s because it teaches what Jesus wants to tell the world.
Keep learning more with Ask a Priest
Got a question? Need an answer?
Today’s secular world throws curve balls at us all the time. AskACatholicPriest is a Q&A feature that anyone can use. Just type in your question or send an email to AskAPriest@rcspiritual.wpenginepowered.com and you will get a personal response back from one of our priests at RCSpirituality. You can ask about anything – liturgy, prayer, moral questions, current events… Our goal is simply to provide a trustworthy forum for dependable Catholic guidance and information. So go ahead and ask your question…
“Ask a Priest: Why Can’t the Church Be More Flexible?” Read More »
From July 18-28, the land of Captivenia opened its doors for an 8th time, welcoming 95 girls to experience the truth & mystery of being “Chosen” by the King.
The girls that come to the camp are welcomed, cared for by an incredible team of young women, placed within a community and surrounded by beauty. At the same time, it is a camp that provides the most basic bare necessities, allowing the girls to experience some challenge & discomfort that builds resilience. It removes from the girls all the things girls and women often use to cover up or hide: cell phones, pictures, name brand clothes, make up, friend group. None of those things are bad but since they do not enter into the realm, the girls are left vulnerable and free, to be themselves and discover themselves in a new way.
A day in Captivenia is never dull and never the same. During the week, the girls have wilderness training, go on night adventures through the forest or “missions” as they are called, build forts, practice archery, race at obstacle courses, have scavenger hunts and face scary enemies on various adventures. As well, they have daily prayer times & mass, formation talks, activities, and adoration. Definitely not least important, are the characters of the land & the memorable moments the girls share with them, “the scenes”. Each camp unfolds a different drama in the land as the story-line and individual characters lives are developed. The campers are never mere spectators but are part of the scene and often are called upon to do acts of heroism and service to help the story unfold. This summer, one of the girls role models, the lead Messenger was kidnapped in battle and the girls later had to enter enemy territory to rescue her. As well, the throne of Captivenia was vacant and so they were in expectation for the naming of the new princess. The characters: with their personality, virtues, words, decisions, are living out in front of the girls everything the camp is trying to teach them. They become like living, breathing icons of the spiritual life: the care of a King, the danger of evil, the power of good, the effort of virtue, the importance of prayer etc.
Don’t miss out next years camp for your daughter, relative or friend! As well, check out the brother camp Arcātheos. See the websites for more details! 
400 Athletes will compete at the Highlands School El Encinar near Madrid in three age categories.
Jeannine and BJ Agugliaro of Basking Ridge, NJ, both members of Regnum Christi, have been the leaders of the 
