Murphy report tells more bad news

I was ordained a priest in Dublin when Dermot Ryan was archbishop in the city.

His father was a GP in Tallaght and was well known to many Dominicans. He is remembered as a kindly man.

Kevin McNamara succeeded Dermot Ryan and was also known for his kindness.

He was followed by Desmond Connell, who is fondly remembered as a kind teacher at UCD.

All fine so far. The three men are damned in the final chapter of the Murphy Report.

Why in heaven's name are we so obsequious to leaders, especially church leaders? What spell do they hold over us? It is shocking.

What is it about so-called 'superiors' in the church that we the people allow them get away with so much nonsensical behaviour?

In the world of business sometimes the shareholders will take action but in the world of the church the most incompetent people are allowed get away with so much unacceptable behaviour.

Yes, in the world of gossip the word goes round but in that realm nothing seldom happens and 'superiors' stay in place while all around them burns.

Leafing through pages of religious publications one might get the picture that all is fine and dandy in the church. One might even think that God is speaking in some extraordinary direct way to its 'priests'.

The arrogance and nonsense is truly breathtaking. The wagons are circled and nothing is happening other than consulting expensive legal teams to check everything.

Away from the 'Holy God' that is spoken and written about the 'real god' to be reckoned with at present it the 'god of legal matters'.