I'd suggest that the church is actively trying to become relevant to the youth of the first world. They aren't stupid people, albeit misguided imho. They realize that a bulk of their support is aging and or not wealthy (in a world wide sense). The church thrives on youth recruitment and the money it brings in. They know this. I believe the pope was selected because his views echo a younger-orientated vision.
At the same time I don't think it will work. More than two to one in the US people under 35 support marriage equality for instance... never mind birth control, womens rights, premarital sex etc.
Its a step in the right direction nevertheless. I don't approve of the church and 99% of what they do. But when we look at progress made in progressive values we have to treat people and groups equitably not equally. For some to move a fraction of an inch can be just as big as another moving a lot. For example if President Carter stated tomorrow that he believed in full marriage equality that would be nice. But if Rush Limbaugh even said there are conditions he would consider it... that would be huge! I think the same applies here.
Again though, the church is far off still but it wouldn't hurt to support their continued movement even if you perhaps like me think their entire organization us a corrupt criminal empire taking advantage of the helpless add much our more than they help them. Imho of course.
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