“This move toward ecclesial democracy…” and then, “…may be an excellent time to discern anew where the restless and generative Holy Spirit may be leading us on this and related matters.”

The Holy Spirit is consistent with the Father and the Son. In the Council of Nicean Profession we make at Mass, “the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son. And with the Father and the Son, is worshipped and glorified. He Who has spoken through the Prophets.” When Judas Iscariot had rendered to the sad and terrible state of killing himself – seeing no mercy for his sins and transgressions – that opened the first Apostolic office (i.e. Bishopric) for a successor: Acts 6:1-7. Thus, not a mere ecclesial democracy. And since God, the Third Person filled these men with prayer and the laying on of hands, a Consistent Tradition had been elevated/held by the Church for every successor. The Holy Spirit would not lead anyone astray from that time and long honored Tradition.