From the National Catholic Reporter

A group of prominent global Catholic theologians, priests and bishops who have been criticized by the Vatican's chief doctrinal office have come together to call for a new process for theological investigations in the church that would be marked by openness and transparency instead of deep secrecy.

In a letter sent to the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith last month, the theologians argue that current procedures for investigations -- characterized often by a lack of adequate defense or possibility of appeal -- are "contrary to natural justice and in need of reform."

Read the article

See also CDF: accuser, investigator, judge, jury, executioner, Christian?

Chris Mcdonnell has posted this on the ACP website:

In a posting I made on the ACP site on October 12th 2013-which was in fact a review of Kung’s new book “Can the catholic church survive?” – I concluded with this comment:

“A most significant and charitable action towards Kung would be for Francis to restore Kung’s credentials as a Catholic Teacher who, throughout these difficult years has remained a priest in good standing. The restoration of Teilhard de Chardin only came after his death. It would be a pity if history were to repeat itself.”

I made a similar comment recently in an article in the Catholic Times on the occasion of his birthday.

Further, in an article in the Dominican Journal SPIRITUALITY in December last year, I developed the argument:

“Hans Kung is now in his late 80s and in recent years has not enjoyed good health. What a gesture of generosity it would be, recognising his significant contribution to the Council and the post-Conciliar years, were his teaching credentials to be restored. Throughout these difficult years, he has remained a priest in good standing with the Church and there has never been any suggestion of parting company with the See of Peter.”

The current petition deserves our support.

Be more accepting of divorced Catholics, gays and lesbians

(CNN)Pope Francis put his shoulder to the doors of the Catholic Church and shoved them open a little wider Friday, calling for the church to be more tolerant in practice while not changing any official doctrines.

He urged priests around the world to be more accepting of gays and lesbians, divorced Catholics and other people living in what the church considers "irregular" situations.

"A pastor cannot feel that it is enough simply to apply moral laws ... as if they were stones to throw at people's lives," Francis writes in a sweeping paper outlining his stance on family matters.

He urges more common sense and less unthinking following of rules.

Read the whole article on the CNN website

 Download Amoris Laetitia [PDF] 

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'Amoris Laetitia': Start with Chapter 4

Summary of Amoris Laetitia [Vatican Radio]

Amoris Laetitia: Five key passages you need to read [Catholic Herald]

Francis' exhortation a radical shift to see grace in imperfection, without fearing moral confusion [NCR] -

Pope Francis on the modern family: what we learned from Amoris Laetitia [The Guardian]

Pope Francis, Urging Less Judgment, Signals Path for Divorced on Communion [New York Times]

Amoris Laetitia is ‘kitchen sink theology’ and all the better for it [Catholic Herald]

Pope Francis offers hope to divorced Catholics, says no to gay marriage [Chicago Tribune]

Amoris Laetitia: How the Pope's exhortation could shake up the Church [Christian Today]

Highlights of Pope Francis' teaching on the family [Vatican Radio]