1.   Ostentatiously non-sectarian, Larkin was invariably opposed by the Catholic hierarchy on social issues.

2.   The Catholic hierarchy was joined at the prayer vigil by the Rev.

3.   The people of Holy Trinity espouse similar values in the face of an unpersuaded Catholic hierarchy.

4.   Heavily backed by the Catholic hierarchy, it had an agenda of combating Mafia crime.

5.   And that trend, Kung said, is causing alarm among the Catholic hierarchy.

6.   Anti-abortion groups and the Catholic hierarchy said the proposal went too far.

7.   A feminist and accomplished academic, McAleese is a devout Catholic who has called for female priests but defended the Catholic hierarchy from attack in an increasingly secular society.

8.   But he is bitterly opposed by most bishops and the rest of the Catholic hierarchy.

9.   But the letter Tuesday served as a clear reminder that among the Catholic hierarchy, abortion remains the dominant issue.