text: James, I think there are a lot of differences between the Catholic Church and, for example, the Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. In some cases, I think the advantage is ours; in others, theirs. For example, I think our sacramental life is stronger, while their extension of ministry to the entire community is, in my opinion, enviable. 
  Of course, in other countries, the differences are even more stark. In Italy, the Church is often traditional without being conservative, which is something I haven't found here. The Catholic Church in East Africa tends to be quite conservative, and is growing by leaps and bounds. So I'm not sure you can make such a sweeping statement.