How not to do business

This may not be the appropriate venue for the following comment. Nevertheless it is a great example of how there is something systemically wrong with 'clericalism'.

Over the last number of weeks there has been a controversy running re Alive! newspaper.

In The Irish Times last week the contents of a letter from the Dominican provincial, Fr Pat Lucey, to Joe Costello TD appeared.

For most members of the province this was their first opportunity to see the letter. With modern communication technology it does not have to be like that. But so it was and after an initial annoyance, the daily routine settles back.

Or does it?

A number of Dominicans felt it was wrong of The Irish Times to print the contents of the letter. Another sign of how far removed people can be from the world of the now.

The provincial council meets in Dublin some days later and following that meeting the provincial writes a letter of information listing items of news.

Not a word in the letter about the Alive! controversy. So, was it discussed at the provincial council? It would seem most odd if the issue were not discussed and if it were discussed why were the 'foot soldiers' at least not told that the matter had been discussed.

It simply is not the way to do business.

An unhealthy attachment to a form of secrecy has done no favours for the church. And it seems that the hierarchical church is in no mood or position to try to change.