“... indicates there is indeed a problem with hierarchy.”
For faithful Catholics who have been paying attention, there has ALWAYS been a problem with the hierarchy.
Jesus chose twelve. One apostasized altogether. Ten were abject cowards who abandoned Jesus at his greatest need. Only one remained faithful through the worst ordeal, the Crucifixion.
I don't think the percentages have improved markedly since Jesus stopped picking them in person.
The consistent, continuous, scandalous failure of the hierarchy for two thousand years should be a sign to faithful Catholics that the Church is of Divine Institution and under Divine Care and Providence. Else it would have gone out business shortly on Good Friday.
Rejoice, o Catholics! If we are incompetent, stupid, and venial, it means that to God alone is the boast!
sitetest
I can sympathize. Problem is, almost every religion can make the same claim.
The story goes that Napoleon basically said to a cardinal, “I shall destroy the church!” The cardinal started snickering and replied, “If we haven’t been able to do it in 1800 years, you’ll never do it.”
“the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it (My Church).” - Mt 16:18