What it mean to be a Catholic? III

I did not maintain that Father Araujo thought the majority of American Catholics had separated themselves from the Church. I wondered whether under his premises, or that of the American bishops, or that of others on the MOJ site, the majority of American Catholics had separated themselves. I accept his answer, but I am left wondering why. What are the criteria that determine whether a Catholic by his or her beliefs has left the Church? The statement of the American bishops rejects selective assent to the teachings of Church leaders. But the majority of American Catholics engage in selective assent. To my mind, the American Bishops have claimed more power than they rightly have. I remain interested in determining what those who support the statement of the American Bishops think about the status of American Catholics and the American Church. If the Bishops are right, the Church in America (and elsewhere) is in crisis. To my mind, the problem is that the leaders of the American Church do not see the Holy Spirit working in the People of God.