So a group of laypeople petitioned their bishop to do something bold and his response was to deflect and repeat the party line. Stop the presses. That probably happens hundreds of times every day in dioceses, big and small, around the world.

Mandatory celibacy is a discipline. It isn't dogmatic. If it would serve the needs of the People of God to change it (and I believe it would), it'll be changed. Personally, I think it's inevitable.

But I wouldn't expect the Bishop of Rockville Centre (or any other diocesan bishop, for that matter) to lead the charge. You don't get that gig by being an innovator.