To say otherwise is inconsistent with the Suttas. This is sad, misleading and produces no progress on the Path. It is far better to go for refuge to the Monastic Sangha and give respect to that Sangha, especially those within the monastic Sangha with attainment on the Path. Because the monastic Sangha is also the physical expression of the Lord Buddha's Middle Way, it is the only authoritative Buddhist teaching organization and, thirdly, it is the flag of Buddhism capable of giving inspiration in the villages and cities of our world. That the monastic Sangha is the physical expression of the Lord Buddha's Middle Way is easily demonstrated when one investigate the Suttas what the Lord Buddha meant by the 'Middle Way'.
Monasticism is the physical expression of celibacy.
So those who are earnest about abandoning such craving and uprooting such attachment would naturally gravitate to the monastic Sangha. Thus, the monks and nuns include all those who are serious enough about Enlightenment to do some serious letting go of their cravings and attachments. That the authority on Buddhism lies with the monastic Sangha is demonstrated when one considers that only someone who is practicing the Dhamma, and uprooting sensuality has the authority to teach others to do the same. They have no authority. It is true that some monks also qualify as hypocrites here, but they are more easily shown up for what they are than the lay teacher with far fewer rules.