text: Dennis, I like your list of the "minimum set" of changes.  
  
  I think the important point in the way the church is organized, is to realized that it is best served when it represents what people really believe, at least to the degree possible.  I'd not ask it to reject Jesus, should society ever go through such a phase.  But at the same time, so many of the church's positions have rather clearly been categorically rejected by the laity, that the church's ongoing formal position becomes a matter of obstinacy.  Such a situation needs to be met head on: a dialog of sorts between church leaders and the people they serve.  If such a dialog cannot lead to an agreement, then I think the laity should prevail.
  
  As to the definition of abuse/evil, I think you're missing a bit one (inferred, but not stated).
  
  When the organization finds itself selling out individuals (ESPECIALLY the weak/vulnerable) so as to protect others, alarm bells should ring.
  
  Thanks for the post: well done.