All of our members need to make a specific effort to respect the viewpoints of others. CCF does not tolerate flaming – against members as well as against the Church – so some reminders and explanations will hopefully help to prevent problems and protect your posting privileges. In that vein, to prevent discussions involving “Traditionalist”, non-Catholic, or other ideas from promoting arguments or erroneous perceptions, please note that the primary purpose of this site is to foster the teachings of the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH in an atmosphere of fellowship.

Questioning Church teachings or disciplines is certainly not a problem, providing it is within a context of attempting to understand our faith. However, pronouncements or accusations against the Church – whether from non-Catholics or specific groups or individuals within the faith – must be substantiated with supporting evidence from credible sources. One’s opinion is not a credible source. The same elements pertain to responses to challenges presented. Please note:
1. Using statements of Church councils to imply that the Church is teaching “anathema” is a direct insult and will not be tolerated. Likewise, unsupported accusations of individuals or groups as heretic, schismatic, etc., will not be tolerated. (AUP 1.1, 1.4)

 2. Undefined statements attributing “error” to “the Church” – directly or indirectly – require substantive evidence. It is not sufficient to quote a conciliar statement as evidence – the evidence must be presented to show how a teaching of the Church is fostering error, weakening faith, etc. (AUP 3.3.1)

 3. Insisting that the “Church” is incorrect and “you” are right, as well as repeating an argument to challenge Church teachings in numerous threads falls into the realm of proselytizing. (AUP 3.4)

 4. Implying or stating that the teachings of individuals represent the teaching of the Magisterium is seriously misleading, and constitutes an attack on the faith. Likewise, denigrating the official rites of the Church is not equal to "discussion" of those rites, and is an affront to the faithful. (AUP 3.4)

 5. General nastiness toward members, as well as excessive sarcasm, photos implying mockery, etc. is completely inappropriate. (AUP 1.2)

 6. Wherever possible, Moderators will prune threads of inappropriate content. When time does not allow for such pruning, or wherever a thread degenerates into an argument the thread will be removed from the boards. (And a reminder, Moderator actions are not open to public discussion on the forums – please address your questions via PM to the Mod involved. AUP 7.3)
For a more complete and general discussion of debate guidelines, please see this sticky, and our AUP. Members are reminded that failure to follow our guidelines, even from forgetfulness, will be dealt with by Moderators, and could lead to loss of posting privileges. Our goal in posting this reminder is to avoid such problems, as well as to promote balanced and respectful dialog among our members.

A reminder from the very beautiful letter of St. James:

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.

Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. ~ James 3:15-19

May we all live with the blessed peace of God, and share the fruit of His Wisdom!