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In the popular mindset Catholicism is equated with clergy abuse scandals and a hierarchical, manifestly undemocratic style of leadership. Some see its diocesan bishops as the equivalent of middle managers positioned beneath a top-heavy, pyramidal structure – veritable “yes men” whose job it is to prop up the institution at the expense of those at the bottom (i.e., the lay faithful) whom they are (at least theoretically) called to serve. The Church is increasingly seen as out of touch, indifferent, painfully wanting.