"Occasionally it happens that certain theologians find it difficult to assent to a given teaching of the magisterium. In such cases, they should not leap to the conclusion that the magisterium has erred. The charism is judging the truth of doctrine is given primarily to the pope and the bishops, not to theologians. Theologians, like other members of the faithful, should try to see the truth or credibility of the official teaching. If they have difficulties, they may express them to colleagues and to the hierarchical teachers. In this way, they may help the magisterium to find a more convincing and accurate way of expressing its position. Over the centuries, the magisterium has been able to profit from the feedback that comes, so to speak, from the pews.

"What is unhelpful is for theologians to engage in noisy protests and try to recruit adherents for their dissenting positions. It is especially harmful when they try to bring pressure on the magisterium by organizing rallies, calling press conferences, or placing paid advertisements in newspapers. The Church, unlike political society, is a community of faith held together by the shared beliefs and mutual love of its members. When the Church becomes a battlefield between opposed groups, sowing discord and antipathy, it becomes less appealing to its own members and less attractive to others whom it is commissioned to evangelize."

--Avery Cardinal Dulles