This odious episode is another example of why having clergy isn't working. With the exception of Henry VIII, is there any church scandal that hasn't been caused by clerics? An "ontologically" different clergy presiding over the laity is an example of "disparity of power." Clerical corruption is inherent with this arrangement. The present structure of the church is a way that it can be, not a way it must be. As I have mentioned before, while it will not happen in our lifetimes, a future iteration of  the church will be without clergy if Catholic Christianity is to continue.