If a pollster went through the average American Catholic parish and asked the people in the pews when the current crisis in the church began, he would get a variety of answers.
Probably the most popular answer would be, “What Crisis?” Unfortunately, all too many Catholics live in blithe ignorance that a crisis even exists. They have been lulled to sleep by homilies telling them that warm, unfocused feelings of peace and love are all that people need to get to Heaven.
Perhaps the second most popular answer would make reference to the abuse scandals of the early 21st century. Others who are somewhat better informed might mention the changes caused by the Second Vatican Council of the early sixties.
However, as scholar and author Gustavo Solimeo will explain, the roots of the current Church go back a lot further – to the early years of the 20th century.
That is the unfortunate story that Mr. Solimeo explains in his essay, Remaining Faithful During the Current Crisis in the Church.
