Perhaps we need a decade long Synod that first looks at making the Church power structures open to women and laity, structures that support a "listening" church so voices other than male, celibates are heard.  

Then, when there has been some work on opening the minds, hearts, and authority of the Church to all the Baptized, then talk about how a national/regional Leadership Conference (not a bishops conference) can work to make the functioning of the Church better on a national/regional basis.  There is a need to respond to cultural differences and to differences in how nations function because of economic development and particular conditions facing a region.  

One example of "particular conditions" is in availability of priests and alternatives.   In many countries, society is ready for female priests, ready for married priests, ready for "spiritual accom-piment" that does not have to include a priest, ready for sacraments provided through the Holy Spirit alive in the community.