It's like old times here today - you and I. But I must get back to making a dinner.

Enjoy your day.

Some day I'd like to ask one of these self-appointed judges why they don't just trust the One they're sworn to serve! And why they concentrate on someone in a vegetative state rather than whole armies of young people trained to undo the taboo against killing?

If they want any moral authority here, they have to clean the muck in the RC stables first!

This is exactly why I am bringing these things up here - over and over. Because it's vital that the legal issues here are dealt with. The intrusion into the public sphere in a way that threatens and intimidates both legislators and voters. The sense of entitlement to be the sole arbiters of morality - when they, as you have so well said, have illegally protected the abusers and facilitated the continuation of abuse - all the while vilifying those who have been victimized on their watch.

It is essential that we discuss this publicly. Not so much the morality of laws (as they would prefer we do) but the abuse of power and neglect of duties and responsibilities within their own dioceses.

So again, thank you for your laser focus on the very same things which concern me. If there is one reason to still identify as Catholic, it is to foster these kinds of discussions. And bear witness for those who are unable to adequately advocate for themselves.

Personally, I see the US bishops as provoking anti-Catholic sentiment at this point. I wish there were a "trigger" for their deposition myself!

And yes, let's hear it from the sisters!

Why am I bothering here? Simply because of the recent efforts to try and enforce via law, the very moral authority that they seem unable to wield any longer.

As you say they've betrayed the "followers" - some of the very best are long gone. Even I have one foot out the door.