Too much of what has been said and written about the Synod on the Family reflects a dangerously polarised mindset at all levels. This is unhealthy, and unless it is overcome there will inevitably be “winners and losers”, whatever the outcome. This will only hinder the Church’s pastoral mission. Entrenched positions have been especially evident over the question of the Eucharist for the divorced and remarried. Addressing the issue head-on only reinforces them. It was refreshing, therefore, to read the report of the synod’s German-language group (“Towards a new view of marriage”, 24 October). The Church’s understanding of marriage has evolved over the centuries. There is no reason to assume that there can be no further development. Vatican II left t