So much of the problem is about what's not said

Today's Irish Times tells an interesting story about the position of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

On page eight Patsy McGarry writes on the tardiness of the church to play a significant and trusting role in its response to the diocesan reports.

On page 10 Breda O'Brien criticises the Taoiseach for his Dail speech.

Breda O'Brien quotes a taxi driveer: "Well, you can prove anything with facts..."

Great quote in the context.

As someone who has been 'hanging about' inside the instiutional church for close to 40 years, anyone who says anything about the church has to realise it's what the church does not say that is always significant.

Within the hierarchical church there is a mindset that is almost impossible to explain.

It might be like any mindset that has been in a position of privilege and control for generation after generation. And far too many good people succumb to the comfort zone of such a mindset.

In many ways it is difficult to articulate the reality but all the time it seems most of the commentators have very little awareness of such a mindset.

An idea might be for an agency to do an audit of the Irish church - a universal audit, not just of financial significance.