Two interesting letters

Two interesting letters in today's Irish Times

CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SEX ABUSE


Madam, - On the RTÉ 1 9pm news last Monday, Cardinal Sean Brady, speaking at a reception in his honour at Dublin Castle, claimed the Irish bishops were "united" in their "determination" to establish the truth concerning clerical sexual abuse in Ireland.

But the unity and determination of which he speaks is far from self-evident to many people whose lives and faith are affected by this distressing matter. It would seem that the Irish bishops, on the subject of clerical sexual abuse, could be divided into three categories.

There are a few who, are genuinely and sincerely seeking a solution, engage with the suffering of victims and the real problems posed for the institutional church.

There are some, good-hearted and decent (and probably the majority) who don't seem to know what end of them is up, or how to respond properly to the anguish caused by the sexual predations of some priests of the church.

And there are a few others who, themselves, are gravely dysfunctional human beings, completely lacking in the empathy demanded by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, towards those so profoundly betrayed and deeply wounded by "wolves among the flock".

As regards the "unity" and "determination" of bishops to engage seriously with the ongoing crisis in the Catholic Church, it would be worth knowing the level of commitment and understanding bishops have shown in striving to come to terms with the profound suffering of victims.

How many bishops have genuinely encountered - one to one - victims of predatory priests? How many bishops have read - and kept up to date with - studies, books and other scholarly works which address the devastating spiritual consequences of clerical sexual abuse for victims?

How many dioceses in Ireland have organised seminars, workshops, conferences, etc, which could, for example, facilitate meaningful encounters between the survivors of clerical sexual abuse and members of the clergy?

It is tragic that Government inquiries, High Courts and other such bodies are needed to investigate the Church on matters of clerical sexual abuse. True openness, to God the Holy Spirit, would have long ago exposed the clericalism, selfishness, narcissism, sociopathy and corruption that have given rise to these scandals.

The People of God are further betrayed by meaningless episcopal sound-bites, feigned "compassion" and PR exercises. These evils will continue to wound and damage God's Church until they are faced in a true spirit of abject contrition, heartfelt repentance and desire for real reform. - Yours, etc,

Fr PATRICK McCAFFERTY, Glen Road, Belfast.


Madam, - Young Jimmy O'Brien (January 31st) must be congratulated for actually reading Humanae Vitae. However, one wonders whether he is old enough to have ever tried to practise what the encyclical preaches. I have tried it and I cannot recommend it.

Young Mr O'Brien then comments on Pope Paul VI, the encyclical's author, who predicted that artificial contraception would result in women being less respected by men than they were prior to their invention and use - by modern men and women! He believes that this prediction has come to pass. I hope he is not presuming he can speak for all men. My guess is that he has arrived at this conclusion because he himself feels that women in today's world are less deserving of respect.

No doubt Jimmy O'Brien is a well meaning young man but he had a lot to learn about women and men and about himself in particular. I wish him well in his voyage of discovery. I used to be young myself once upon a time; now I am 71 - older and, I hope, just a little bit wiser. - Yours, etc,

IRENE REDMOND, Granville Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.