The ‘metropolitan model’ is flawed
SIR – You report that both the US bishops and Rome are moving towards a “metropolitan model” for holding bishops accountable for their handling of abuse cases. Under this model, complaints against a bishop would be reviewed by his metropolitan archbishop and a review board (Cover story, November 23).
As you rightly point out, this model is seemingly more in harmony with Catholic tradition than the lay-led alternative. It would, however, require a change to canon law as currently only the Pope may hold bishops accountable. So it would, in fact, mark something of a departure from traditional Catholic practice.
