[ProtectRUnborn]

"I've always felt our Protestant brethren have a much better system wherein congregations have at least a major say in who will serve them."

The Catholic Church is not now, nor has it ever been a democracy. Thankfully, the Church does not compromise her long standing doctrines and traditions just because a vocal minority of theologically ignorant americans, want it to.

BTW if your "feelings" are that strong then go join the protestants. Their diminishing ranks could use it.

[sinkspur]

The Catholic Church is not now, nor has it ever been a democracy. Thankfully, the Church does not compromise her long standing doctrines and traditions just because a vocal minority of theologically ignorant americans, want it to.

The hierarchy enjoys the respect of the laity only insofar as it deserves it.

If the Vatican bureaucrats, in tandem with the American bishops, don't address the rapidly diminishing reputation of the priesthood, you can expect lay people to vote with their pocketbooks.

"Theologically ignorant" people have lots of power when they control the purse strings.

[Protagoras]

BTW if your "feelings" are that strong then go join the protestants. Their diminishing ranks could use it.

Please provide the statistics which show "diminishing ranks" of protestant denominations. Not just large so called "mainline denominations" but all demoninations.