4) We are called to establish a RELATIONSHIP with God.  When Jesus is revealed to us Christians by calling himself the 'Son of the Father and yet one with the Father, he is giving clear primacy to RELATIONSHIP.  We are also called to be ONE with the Father.  We're not of independent substance; we exist only in relationship.  Salvation is nothing more than the willingness, the readiness, the capacity to stay in relationships with God.

5) Democracy was not the problem.  The barbarian invasions pouring into western Europe caused the popes and bishops to become more civil lawmakers---than shepherds.  The U.S. Church is more than capable of electing its own bishops.  As far as 'politics' are concerned---they are already PART and PARCEL of the selection of bishops----has been since Vatican Council I.