Catholic Hierarchy Archives - Vincent Ryan Ruggiero Official website - Author

Catholicism’s Quandary About Sexuality

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 13:30:49 +0000

In the first part of the 20th century, the Church's position on sexuality was clear: Sex outside of marriage was sinful; sex between a married man and woman was normal, as long as every act of intercourse was open to pregnancy; sex between two males or two females was both unnatural and sinful; marriage between [...]

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The Issue of Women Deacons, Part 2

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 14:27:46 +0000

Part 1 of this essay explained the continuing controversy over whether the Catholic church should allow women to serve as deacons. Part 2 will consider how the centuries-old negative image of women has affected that controversy. As Semitic History scholar Caroline M. Breyfogle notes, at one time, "in harmony with the animistic conception of woman, [...]

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The Issue of Women Deacons

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:12:53 +0000

The Catholic hierarchy's recent uproar over the idea of women deacons seems as intense as their uproar over blessing gay relationships has been. I find that puzzling. After all, there is nothing about women deacons that suggests sinfulness, whereas gay sexual behavior has long been considered a serious sin against nature. So why the equally [...]

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Will the Hierarchy Embrace This Wise Counsel?

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:29:36 +0000

The four-year Synod of the Catholic Church is nearing completion. It has been described as a "Journey" that is "both a gift and a task" by which the hierarchy, the clergy, and the laity can join together, learn through their experiences, and improve their service in the Church's mission. One especially meaningful suggestion for reaching [...]

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Will the Catholic Synod Achieve Its Goals?

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 14:01:46 +0000

Many readers may be unfamiliar with both the term "Synod" and the reality currently underway in the Church. The term means a gathering of the members of a Church. The present Catholic Synod began in 2021 and will continue until 2024. It's goal, the Vatican explains, is to have all Catholics be active participants in [...]

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