The body just heard from Edward Mechmann, who spoke on behalf of the National Advisory Council, a group of lay people who advise the bishops. His comments were not exactly what you would call challenging. He spoke about how much the NAC agreed with everything the bishops say and do, how closely their concerns track with the concerns of the bishops. He applauded their draft statement on pornography. He noted the need for clarity of teaching about marriage and family life and speculated about the many legal challenges posed by the redefinition of marriage. It was like listening to the plush purple dinosaur Barney singing, "I love you, you love me ...."
This leads me to wonder how one gets on the NAC. I am guessing my services will never be desired on such a body. I nominate Tom Fox!