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This Insights eNewsletter was sent to subscribers on October 31, 2014.

eNewsletter Subject: Putting Our Best Foot Forward

The Vatican made the English text available yesterday of the final statement of the recent Synod of Bishops: Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization.

Such texts are not intended to be world-shaking events, but skimming over this one will give a more accurate appreciation of the wide range of topics the bishops discussed—in marked contrast to the focus of secular media coverage.

In reflecting on recent discussions, I've become convinced that some of us used the controversy surrounding the Synod primarily to amplify our own constant complaints. This can be a corrosive habit. Please seriously consider my reflections: Contentious Spirits, Beware!

When we fail to put our best Catholic foot forward, it creates more problems than it solves. We already have enough trouble with secular perceptions. As Phil Lawler says: And here's another very old story: the secular media don't understand Catholic affairs....

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