Open debate is always a must for organisations

This week’s INM/Mediahuis Irish regional newspapers’ column

Michael Commane

Over the June bank holiday weekend two newspaper articles attracted my attention. One was a lengthy article about pending reforms in how judges are to be appointed and the other, a much shorter piece on debate in Fianna Fáil.

At a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting there had been talk about the future of the party and how it needs to respond to issues and people’s concerns with their policy. Former minister and Laois - Offaly TD Barry Cowen used the words ‘mission’ and ‘vision’, and said: ‘We need policies and values that can roll off the tongue when we are talking to members of the public.’ 

It’s clear there is an ongoing discussion in the party as to what it is about and how it can communicate its vision to the public.

There has been much debate on the need for reform in how we appoint judges in this country.

Recently retired High Court judge Bernard Barton was criticised when he said that judges live in a ‘rarefied’ atmosphere and it is ridiculous to suggest that they know what the public is thinking.

Everyone agrees reform in the appointment of judges is long overdue. Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, while welcoming the new Bill as a step forward, has issues with some of its proposals. But there is discussion happening and the public has the possibility of keeping abreast with the discussion.

Both articles tell the story of Fianna Fáil and the judiciary discussing how they can make themselves fit for purpose, how they can inspire and impress so that the public will have confidence in them.

Sunday, June 5 was the feast of Pentecost, one of the great feasts in the Christian calendar. The feast is celebrated across Europe in a much bigger way than it is here, indeed, there’s not a whisper of it in Ireland.

Over the June bank holiday weekend, which coincided with the feast of Pentecost, I found myself asking what did Pentecost mean for the Christian population in Ireland. It is an important feast. It is all about the spirit or presence of God in the world. The feast of Pentecost is about inspiration. 

Yes, I know the Catholic Church is at present conducting a synod but really, who among the general Christian community is aware of what is happening?

Is there anywhere across the church where there is open, real and animated discussion about how we perceive God to be present in the world about us? Do our bishops inspire or enthuse us in such a way that we can confidently speak about what it means to be people who believe in Pentecost?

Is there ever a hint of discussion as to how bishops are appointed in the Catholic Church? It is all veiled in top-level secrecy. It is the exclusive domain of the clerical caste. That is not working and must change.

Over that weekend I discovered how little Catholics know or understand about Pentecost. We know less about how bishops are appointed.

It explains a lot to me why we are where we are.