The Accountability of Bishops | National Catholic Reporter

The Accountability of Bishops | National Catholic Reporter by MSW. MGB: Absent the election and dismissal of bishops by the people or the priests (which would bring about such things as female ordination, gay church weddings, a more realistic abortion politics and more accountability - regardless of what MSW fears, or maybe that is what he fears), putting what used to be the Roman Inquisition in charge of policing Bishops (instead of the Congregation for Bishops or the Secretariat of State) is about as good as it gets.  Of course, going all-in on this matter has consequences for the liability of the Vatican in dealing with cases of serial molestation.  When you are in charge, you must pay when something goes wrong.  Taking charge of this matter means that from now on, any mistakes or ommissions mean some Rafael will be sold to cover the damages.  Diplomatic immunity cannot and should never have been a legitimate excuse to shield the Vatican from the responsiblity for those who are in fact its employees.  You cannot have your cake and eat it to - local or Vatican art auction.  You can't have neither.