The pursuit of justice is one thing I no longer can associate with institutional Catholicism.

Isn't it ironic that the self-confessed need for "conversion" among these bishops was acted upon only when they were constrained to do so, not by conscience (as one would expect), but by various public media?

Ironic, too, that it took some 2000 years for them to admit, even to themselves, their personal and collective incapacity, instead of trumpeting the staple defence: we are authoratative teachers (thus neatly avoiding the glaring requirement for magisterial self-scrutiny).

If Catholic bishops are ever to "be converted to the fulfilling of the divine plan for the salvation of the world", it seems that more is required for this than the prodding of divine grace (which they have been reluctant to heed); there needs also, from time to time, to be the not-so-gentle proverbial boot to episcopal backsides from the media.

Thank God for a free press. Literally.