The Catholic Church seems to wear a permanent black eye these days. Whether it's disturbing new revelations about the priest sex-abuse scandal, data showing mass defections from the church, or vociferous blow-back against a decision or decree by the U.S. bishops, the church finds itself — time and again — on the damage-control defensive.
Even in the midst of easing its long-criticized opposition to condoms as measures against AIDS, the Vatican seemed to set off as much head-scratching as applause at year's end. Were Pope Benedict XVI's quotes in the new Light of the World book really the best way for him to reveal such a momentous shift? Couldn't the Vatican have better clarified the portentous implications for health workers, priests and others tasked with implementing Catholic teaching on contraception?
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