The American Bishops formed an Ad Hoc Committee to address the issue of sexual abuse. This five member committee of Bishops includes three who have ALREADY BEEN IMPLICATED in the sexual abuse evil. One of the Bishops publicly addressed the matter in reference to canon and civil law and cautioned fellow Bishops not to destroy documents. He also instructed them that were they to turn over documents (evidence) to the Apostolic Delegate, he has immunity; ergo, the documents (evidence) could be withheld.
THIS is how the American Bishops decide to "reform" themselves. This Pope, who IS indeed a great man, will not defrock these Prelates and suspend them a divinis, he will work through the existing Hierarchy (witness his rejection of Law's resignation)issue some new "norms" and we will all congratulate ourselves that something "serious" has been done.
These Prelates really do not seem to "get it" and we are kidding ourselves that this wonderful Pope will suddenly reverse his lifelong habits.
The American Bishops are in schism. They have constantly NOT done as he has requested. In fact, they have routinely opposed him and they have, eventually, been rewarded for their opposition. He refused to approve of altar girls. They disobeyed and installed altar girls and he again told them NO ALTAR GIRLS. They just continued to defy him and, suddenly, one day, altar girls were approved.
They have refused to accept Ex Corde Ecclesia, Cardinal Law was leading the attempt to feminise the New Testament, American Bishops....oh, just forget it. I was going to just start listing the ways in which these Bishops have publicly opposed the Pope but I wouldn't be done typing the list until - until - until, I don't know, maybe untl Ted Kennedy said something sensible