Phil Lawler’s book, The Faithful Departed, should be mandatory reading for all Catholics in the United States and beyond. Lawler ably documents the lying and corruption that pervaded the Church in America at the height of the sexual abuse crisis.

One sobering thought: Many of the same bishops who lied and ignored the complaints about abusive priests are still in power. This is instructive as these are the same bishops who routinely ignore complaints about liturgical abuse and heresy within their dioceses.

The Church in America would benefit greatly if many of the bishops who are currently in place would humbly tender their resignations. In particular, bishops of dioceses that have few vocations and are closing multiple churches and schools would be the the first in line.

Politically, the rallying cry for politics this year is “change”. Perhaps the spirit of change will also permeate the Church in America. The sooner the better.