text: Re:  Australia Royal Commission.  The long recap is worth the read.  The Commission is stepping into new territory in examining internal structure and governance of a religious organization for purposes of civil law regarding protecting children.  Separation of church and state - how far does it go?
  
  I think the discussion on clericalism, celibacy, and secrecy are important elements that the Church needs to examine.  This is a two way street - this need for religious organizations to be able to manage themselves and the need for society to protect vulnerable individuals.  The Church exists in the world and needs to find its own ways to recognize a co-responsibility for the "common good."  
  
  I am enormously disappointed that Rome is not participating in the dialogue that is occurring.  Bishops will be there, but bishops have no accountability and horribly insufficient oversight.  More, the bishops really no longer speak for the larger Church - which includes the huge majority laity.