Pope Benedict, a while back, called the Church to make a “space” for unbelievers, for questioners, for seekers, following the Old Testament literal space in the Temple area, the Outer Court, called “the Court of the Gentiles.” He calls us to a dialogue with the world, with “the Gentiles” so to speak, so that through such genuine and sincere encounter we might be witnesses to the saving Truth that all men must seek. He wrote:
Dear young people, it is up to you, in your own countries and in Europe as a whole, to help believers and non-believers to rediscover the path of dialogue. Religions have nothing to fear from a just secularity, one that is open and allows individuals to live in accordance with what they believe in their own consciences. If we are to build a world of liberty, equality and fraternity, then believers and non-believers must feel free to be just that, equal in their right to live as individuals and in community in accord with their convictions; and fraternal in their relations with one another. One of the reasons for this Court of the Gentiles is to encourage such feelings of fraternity, over and above our individual convictions yet not denying our differences. And on an even deeper level, to recognize that God alone, in Christ, grants us inner freedom and the possibility of truly encountering one another as brothers and sisters.
Deborah and I are creating a new blog, to be in addition to this one, to be devoted to such an outreach to non-Catholics and to non-believers who are truly open to dialogue and mutual respect. I invite Catholics to be part of the dialogue also! I invite you all to visit there, to comment for the purpose of true dialogue. We want to try to give account of the faith we have been given, and to listen to the questions, the beliefs, the thoughts of non-Catholics as well.
The new blog is called “Court of the Gentiles: Seeking the Absolute.” Please visit the blog, and if you would like to be part of the discussions then know you are welcome and invited! I hope we can have many contributors, both Catholics and non-Catholics and non-believers.
Thomas
Renew The Church! - website and Blog 
Dear Deborah and Thomas.
I would like to wish you well with your new project, it is an important one..
I cannot think of anyone better prepared to meet this challenge and I wish you success.
Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary,
Gene
By: Gene on September 5, 2012
at 11:56 am
Dear Gene,
Thanks so much for your comment (and other comments you’ve shared). You are such an encouragement! It is surely through the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that we seek to share God’s Love.
Your prayers and those of your dear wife have been with us, as we too have been praying for both of you. Please may we continue to pray and offer ourselves in union with the Mass being offered somewhere in the world each moment.
Today is the First Friday of September, may we especially offer ourselves in reparation, standing with Mary at the foot of His Cross.
By: Deborah on September 7, 2012
at 8:16 am
Thank you, Gene – please pray for us and for the project. And visit the site! Maybe you’d be moved to contribute to it, as well. I hope so.
Thomas
By: Thomas Richard on September 5, 2012
at 12:17 pm
Hi Thomas,
You have my assurance, I shall have you in my prayers on a daily basis. As for any contributions, I really do not feel very qualified and with this severe case of Cervical Dystonia, it is so unpredictable. If I happen to lift, even mundane items like groceries, the pain will keep me awake all night.
In turn I would like to ask for prayers, prayers for perseverance…
Gene
By: Gene on September 5, 2012
at 7:16 pm