Is Catholic Church shift a sign of progress? #tellusatoday

We asked our Twitter followers what they thought about the Catholic Church starting a debate about homosexuality and divorce. Comments are edited for clarity and grammar:

Nothing has changed in doctrine, but the church is seeking to reinforce its teaching to extend Christ's love to everyone.

— @generalcurtis

It's not an indictment on ideology, but more an opportunity to open dialogue and develop a broader perspective.

— @Bryon_Vann

It's a good idea. All religions must be open-minded about their congregations and the actual society.

— @hriffel

The Catholic Church is a business. Gays and divorced people are groups too big today to ignore and shun anymore.

— @TheeRouse

Do not conform to the changes of the world that go against the laws and commandments in the Bible.

— @KimberlyKmarie

God hasn't changed; neither should his church!

— @ProFamilyIL

Times are changing, and so should we.

— @JohnnyARodrigue

Letter to the editor:

Pope Francis is the real deal ("Catholic bishops show new tolerance toward gays").

As a non-Catholic who wrote him shortly after he became pope and wished him well, hoping that he would live up to the teachings of Christ, I was surprised to receive a letter from the Vatican indicating he had read my letter. He has far exceeded any expectations I had for him and is a role model, not for just Catholic leaders, but for all religious leaders of all faiths.

Don Enss; Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

This is a long overdue action by the Catholic Church. Christ taught inclusion, not exclusion. It is long past time Christians accepted that and quit ostracizing people for the way they are.

— Gene O'Donnell

What action? The only change is a change in tone. Canonical law and doctrine remain unchanged. If simple politeness is a long overdue change, then Catholicism is in a dire state. Soothing tones, smiles and flowery language do not make the hostility, rejection and condemnation of the doctrine any better. All the new attitude does is make it harder for gays to recognize it.

— Neil Cameron

This discussion is a long time coming and more in line with Jesus' message. I say thank you, bishops, for keeping faith alive as we move forward in an uncertain era.

— Kim Sweet-Cassavino

I'm done with this pope. He is not the church, and the word cannot be altered to his liking. God has not altered his word. Live it or not; the choice is yours.

— Rick Jordan

On the horizon: the Catholic Church and the new Catholic Lite Church. What happened to embrace the person, even if you don't embrace the behavior? So far this "position" is just an opinion by some bishops who are Catholic. It's very confusing and shouldn't be construed as a change for all Catholics.

— Daniel Hackett

For more discussions, follow @USATOpinion or #tellusatoday on Twitter.