This request is solely my own, and does not reflect the feelings or position of the other moderators.
I would like to ask if we can please stick to a couple threads on the current ROAC situation. I have spoken out on this forum in favor of seeking out the facts, and not sitting passively by. However, I think great harm is being done (unintentionally) by some of the postings. I speak of all concerned here (including me), I am not singling out anyone. Facts are good to discuss; rumors can be tested or examined, theories can be put forth and refuted or proven, but I don't believe that polemics serve much good at this point, in this situation. None of us (so far as I know) are saints, and therefore probably none of us have the discernment necessary to be writting diatribes and confrontational e-pistles. Perhaps I'm wrong on that, but for the salvation of our souls, and to avoid further scandal (especially to members of this board who really have no particular interest in all the scandalizing details), it would be best to stay on the cautious side for posting. There are lots of lists where these things can be discussed. The Cafe has always at least attempted to be a civil place where traditionalists of all stripes could discuss issues, and not walk away feeling like they were spiritually harmed. I'm sure there have been lots of failures, but that's what I think we attempt. With that in mind, again, could we keep these discussions to just a couple threads, not start any new threads unless absolutely necessary, and think long and hard before we speak, lest we end up damaging precious souls (made in the image of God) in our search for truth? St. Justin Popovich spoke of people spiritually dying thousands of times--we should not underestimate the damage that we might do with ill-chosen words, written in the passion of the moment in these latter days.
