[marshmallow]

You should see the DVD. Ratzinger was briefed on the situation and obviously, his wishes were carried out as far as what transpired, from the 1970's to the present.

If Mahony actually did what then Cardinal Ratzinger suggested, it would mark a truly historical moment. It would be an absolute first. He's made a career out of ignoring Vatican directives and suggestions.

They can't have it both ways.

They can't cultivate a liberal American Church which flouts Vatican directives and makes its own rules and then throw up their hands in innocence and say "I was only following orders" when things go wrong and the chickens come home to roost.

[George W. Bush]

They can't have it both ways.

When you look closely, they don't have the freedom and local independence of a Baptist church but there is considerable discretion from bishop to bishop. They tend to close ranks to defend each other. It's much like medieval noblemen safeguarding their own from the king. Or the operation of the modern U.S. Senate.