Commentary: Why the ‘Catholic Church’ is different than the ‘Catholic hierarchy’

It is time to stop using the term “Catholic Church” as a synonym for “Catholic hierarchy.”We all do it. “The church teaches such and such.” “The church lobbied against gay marriage.” “The church failed to protect children.” “The church is homophobic and sexist.” “The church is authoritarian.” “I hate the church.”The word “church” has multiple meanings. One theologian counted more than a do