"sharp decline in faith practice" ... "steep decline in religious vocations"  ... "frustration of women ... at their inferior place ... "visceral anger of many over the clerical abuse scandals."

Fr. O'Hanlon talks about "a cultural reality where God is increasingly "missing but not missed" and an "indifferent and hostile to Christianity and, in particular, to the institution of the Catholic church."

The people don't trust the bishops and are not spiritually fulfilled by the practices of the faith (the liturgy, sacraments), and no longer believe all the teachings, dismissing some as no longer believable.  So rather than really create an opportunity to listen and learn, the bishops and the theologian moan and groan that things are not as they were.

At least O'Hanlon knows what needs to happen - a synodal Church.  Talk to and listen to the people.  Let them in.  Give them voice.  Give them responsibility and authority, too.  Engage them in solving the problems.  Treat them as adults.