As a Christian man who was raised in the Catholic church, I was very interested in the naming of the new Pope, and was glad to see the throng in Rome as Francis I was named. But as someone who hasn't been to church in 40 years, I know that the Catholic Church care about me. Why don't they care about me? Have I renounced God? NO. Do I not believe in Jesus any more? NO. So what have I done? Well, I disagree with some of the tenets of the Catholic Church. Do priest have to be men? Well, I see no reason why a woman can't lead a congregation, so on that we disagree. Do I believe that priests of any ranks have the right to cover-up crimes? I think in no way should they abet criminals. So there we disagree. But the main sticking point is my belief that contraception is more than acceptable, and that sex can be used as an affirmation of love more than it can be used for having children. I know, being an altar by when I was young, that this is one of the most venial sins to the Church. And if I am a sinner in the Church's eyes and have no desire to change my ways, I know that I can't in good faith be a member of any Catholic Church. I am many things, but I will not be a hypocrite.
It was fascinating and totally interesting and religiously invigorating to watch as a new Pope was named. But will this mean that the Church will take new views on some things? That is something I am waiting to find out, too.
