An interesting speech for a non-RC to consider. Indeed with some basic emendations, some of the themes could flow from the lips of an evangelical pastor. The elect (chosen by God before time ala Calvin?) of faithful people accepting all the dogma in full with no messy disputes, arguments or questioning.

But the speech was mostly about strictly "inter se" RC things and I won't touch those. But Apb. Chaput, be careful what you dream about. As a mainline church member I know all about smaller when it comes to churches. It has meant an end to publishing houses, hospitals, schools, and institutions. It has meant a loss of influence with the secular world, even as they need to hear the Jesus message more than ever. Be careful about much smaller and purer as your model. In closing I see (all too predictably) that only the problems of TEC are mentioned by traditionalists. In truth, with the under 55 crowd we are all in trouble. See Pew, see the other forums studying faith numbers.