The church took a large step forward after abuse summit

https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/distinctly-catholic/church-took-large-step-forward-after-abuse-summit
Since this meeting included Conference Chairs, I would be interested in any quotes from Archbishop Kurtz. Of course, with norms of collegiality in most conferences, any summit that tries to put them in a hierarchy misses the point.

A General Council would be a better setting for real change, although real changes that bring about more accountability from below by reverting to more ancient methods of appointing pastors and bishops would be welcome. Those of us who demanded such reforms (and that includes some victims groups, like Voice of the Faithful, remain disappointed.

Action from the top may have an effect on bishops may have an effect on clergy, but only if we bring back the informant system of Pius X to fight the straw man of modernism. This will just drive issues underground rather than solve them.

We most urgently need guidelines for lawyers representing the Church, especially in terms of ethical and correct advice rather than merely protecting the client.

While informants certainly brought priests to heel, it did not stop the move to modernism.  Only more accountability to and responsibility from below, including the laity, will really bring change.

Parishioners must elect Deacon administrators and assign priests, who then elect Bishops. Bishops should elect Metropolitans, not the other way around, and the Metropolitan should be the person, not the See. Metropolitans should also elect Patriarchs. Smaller self-directive leadership instead of ultramontism will bring about even faster change, especially to ordination.

Dealing with unconscious asexuality rather than attacking gay clergy will bear fruit. Indeed, surveys on the sexuality of priests will remain invalid until we bring asexuals out of the closet, especially to themselves. Then we will know the extent to which sexual orientation causes abuse. Openness is key as well. As long as gay sex is considered sinful, categorizing it as abuse will remain a problem.

Most importantly, ordain women at all levels, as well as married and gay clergy.