...but the tone was definitely one of; "Your sacraments don't count," which kind of translates to: "Your church doesn't count."

I have no problem with Catholics. I have worshiped with them, shared meals with them, even celebrated the eucharist with them. But Benedict has made that progressively more difficult. I was hugely disappointed when he was appointed and practically every time he has made a decree, it has gotten worse.

I understand that you cannot simply define the Catholic Church by what the Pope says, and so I have no intention of cutting off contact with Catholics over this stuff. But I will believe in the power of Christ to spread his love even without papal permission, and believe myself an heir of the promise to Peter as much as any Roman Bishop.