Quote:
Originally posted by Arya
It's democratic, but not representative democracy.
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Additionally, the Cardinals are appointed by the Pope (not elected by the priesthood or layety), who is elected for life. The College of Cardinals can't "over-ride a Papal declaration, so, with the exception of electing the next Pope, there really isn't democracy there, either. They advise. The Catholic layman has no vote at any level.
I think we're straying from the original thought (my fault), though. My point is simply that the "church" (whichever denomination) is a body that has historically led protests of one kind or another and still been able to support it's members in endeavors such as war through prayer, blood drives, support of family members on the homefront and other tangible means.
edited to add:
Thanks for the link, Cream. One of the most difficult, and probably the most rewarding events of my TV career was producing and directing a Papal Mass at World Youth Day in Denver in the 1990's. Notwithstanding the fact that it was delivered in several languages, my only real contact with the Catholic Church was going to Midnight Mass with a Catholic woman I dated for a while in college. I enjoyed the link -- and the production I mention is undoubdetly the most moving thing I've done in a career which includes a lot of interesting assignments. It was magical.