No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. The political campaigns of recent years are evidence enough that democracy is not salvation. Its inherent idealism and exalted vision of the sacredness of the human person are not complete protection against the abuses of slander and detraction. Even good intentions and noble motives may blur the line between the expression of legitimate differences and unjust caricature of another's position.
Democratic processes are inevitably messy because they are free and open to all.
Should such freedom and openness develop in the church we should not be surprised to find abuses. To the extent that these views can be shown to be at odds with the spirit of the gospel, with that freedom which belongs to the children of God, they must be shown to be such. In this light the best contemporary canon law scholarship recognizes that canon law is not true law. Dr. Biechler, an emeritus professor of religion, is a member of ARCC's board of directors. He also holds a licentiate in canon law and is a longtime member of the Canon Law Society of America.