text: I'm afraid the single greatest expression of polarization in the church is clergy v. laity, and creating layers of clerical hierarchy is probably not the best way to heal that polarization. Sometimes we do things because we've always done them a certain way, without realizing that they fly in the face of the gospel. From what we can tell in the sources, the historical Jesus was opposed to hierarchy in every form, urging his followers not to be like the rulers of the gentiles who lord their position over others (Mt. 20:25).  Draping oneself in scarlet robes is not the way to smell the sheep.