Priests and Faithful in Canon Law: A Right to be Heard and a Right to be «Right» ...In the case that a Bishop’s conduct does not comport with the above standards, Priests and faithful have the right to seek justice according to Canon Law. Thus while the «blindness» of obedience is nuanced in a certain sense - these rights enshrined in Canon Law seek to ensure that the «blindness of justice» is not.

First, all Christ’s faithful, irrespective of their social or ecclesial status, have certain inalienable rights that cannot be violated. Second, no one has the right to deny or unduly restrict the exercise of those rights without a serious and just cause. Third, Priests and faithful have the right to defend and vindicate their rights before the competent ecclesiastical forum in accordance with the law. Fourth, when judged before a competent court, they have the right to be judged in accord with the provisions of law, to be applied with equity. Fifth, the application of penalties must be done in strict compliance with the norms of law. (See Can. 219-223)