The question is how many bishops and volunteers are zealous for acts of charity of themselves and for the reflection that goes with it.

The early Christians stood out for their charity, their care for one another and for the poor. They also attracted attention by their refusal to worship the Roman emperor as a god. For three centuries, they were persecuted. Church leaders, however, made a case for the theory that a man could receive supernatural authority and talents from God through a special ritual. Many communities accepted this theory. Thus, they allowed an unapproachable chain of bishops to emerge that managed to hold on despite openness to injustice, greed and abuse of power. This theory is not part of a creed, but it nevertheless became fundamental to maintaining the chain of clerical supremacy.

Those who realise what is wrong with this construct, like Pope Francis, are looking for a way out without hurting people of good will. Recently, a group of bishops openly acknowledged that they do not possess so-called supernatural powers, talents and authority. The Achilles heel of the clerical system has been torn off.

It means that pastoral letters and sermons without sacred authority are of  far less recruiting value than acts of charity following the example of the Good Samaritan. A bishop can gain real authority by excelling in helping those in need and creating an aid station where charity triumphs over discrimination, injustice, greed and abuse of power.

 Vision of faithful people