When the bishops begin holding their brethren accountable, this will not be necessary. Why was Mahony allowed to address the body of bishops? That man has done more to undermine the Church in the United States than most. His West Coast Religious Education Conference continues to spread heresy and dissent. Fr. Richard Sparks, one of the speakers, is a living example of the mess in the Catholic Church in the U.S. He's an enabler if not an active participant.