I am not insisting that the "Church" is the hierarchy.  Please at least attempt to get right what I am and am not saying.  

What I AM saying is that the hierarchy is the leadership of the Church.  They are the ones that have the authority to define doctrine and set the parameters of belief.  They are also the ones who speak for the universal Church.  

So no, the bishops/clergy are not "The Church."  The Church is all the Faithful which includes the bishops/clergy.  The bishop/clergy are, however the ones who lead the Church and the ones the Faithful are bound to obey.