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Two Contrasting Church Governing Structures This is a real problem in the Church. The Romans were known for their bureaucracy, and much of it was incorporated into the Church. We have everything itemized and indexed into a uniform structure. We have rules for the rules and rules for those rules, and Cannon Laws though efficient is a magnificent monument to Roman Administrative law. When Constantine became a Christian, many Romans followed the Emperor´s example and converted whether they fully believed or not. One could say it was a smart career move. This rush of the intelligentsia into the Church was rapid and complete for the most part within a couple of generations. When Rome´s civil government failed, the Church filled the void and has been in the government business since. The Pope´s efforts to save Rome from the shock of Barbarian Invasions only solidified his position as head of both Church and State. With the passing centuries the temporal power of the Holy See has withered away, but in the intervening years, the Vatican built a large diplomatic arm that reaches around the World. It is an expensive activity costing great sums to maintain. We have all heard the apologetics defending this institution that its vital the Church have diplomatic contacts with all nations. It cements relations and provides a pathway for getting church business done. I fail to see the good it accomplishes in light of what could be accomplished if this wealth and manpower were spent on the activities more aligned with Christ?s teaching. The diplomatic corps has been the fast track for getting ahead in the Church for centuries. Many Popes and Cardinals have spent their entire lives as diplomats, never having duties directly caring for the Laity. What other religious body has such a bureaucracy. The Papal Embassies are in reality nothing more than stations for collecting and passing out news, arranging travel for VIPs, passing out awards and keeping an authoritative Papal thumb on the local churches. All this could be accomplished without an embassy. Six years ago we became aware of an effort to take records of pedophile priests in the Archdiocese of Boston and send them for safe keeping to the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C. where they would have been safe from investigation because of diplomatic immunity. Fortunately, wise heads prevailed, and this was not done. This doesn´t guarantee such an activity may not happen in the future. This Vatican Diplomatic Corps should be put to rest. P.S. Enjoy your web page. It serves a great purpose. Robert Harrison
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