ATF,
As ever, thank you. Well done. I'm in a bit of a crunch these days, and haven't had the time to dig, or even real all of the articles, but I will, soon.

For me, all of this story coming out of Australia suggests to me a sliver of hope. At least that  group going to the Vatican seems to want to send a very strong message: one that flies in the face of the "feel good leadership" stuff that paroling and even francis seem to be pushing with their "we get it, so make us the leader" message. 

I really do believe that to fix what is needed in the church, if trust is EVER to be restored, will take every waking moment, and virtually all of the focus and energy they have, along with that of the bishops conferences worldwide, and a lot more. They don't have TIME to take leadership roles elsewhere, their figurative house is on fire!

I think the Plenary Council might be a start, but I fear something even bigger is needed. And if they don't acknowledge the need and ACT soon, it won't matter.