Dear x5452,
"I said it was an example of top down exercising of authority because another poster was denying that the modern Catholic church ever does that. Again I am all for patriarchs exercising their authority. Though strictly speaking they should be doing so in their canonical churchs."
I understand what you're saying, and I don't disagree with you that there is a difference in ecclesiology between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. I just don't think the example you used illustrates the differences.
"As for the sinless not sinless silliness its not the true debate."
Okay. I was only responding to what you posted:
"[Further I resent the notion that the pope is ... sinless...]"
I merely wanted to clarify that we don't think he's sinless, either.
sitetest
I wasn't using it as an example of that [difference in ecclesiology between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches].
I was using it as an example of the Vatican intervening in local affairs, which Jo kus had said is rare.