Madam, – The conflicting reactions to the proposed boycott by women of Masses on September 26th suggest that there is at last some energy among women to achieve their proper participation in the church, and also that less divisive ways must be found to focus women’s concerns.
I propose the postcard instead of the boycott. All women concerned about the renewal of the church might address (by September 26th) a postcard to Cardinal Seán Brady, stating what they want.
The postcard would be an act of personal engagement. Also, those who have despaired of the church and no longer attend Mass could participate. The humble postcard is non-aggressive: it would be also a positive response to the cardinal’s request for views on the renewal of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Imagine 50,000 or more postcards arriving on your desk! Due to the limited resources at the cardinal’s disposal, a public statement rather than a personal response would be enough. – Yours, etc,