Sir, – It would be in the public’s interest to publish the full transcript of the inquiry in 1975 involving Brendan Boland and the then Fr Seán Brady (Front page, May 2nd). It is a window on how the church reacted to allegations against one of their own. This was a 14-year-old boy pitted against the might of Canon Law, without one lay person present. Muzzled by men whom he trusted, he could not speak to his own parents. It was more of an interrogation than an inquiry. This was in the name of Holy Mother Church. Cardinal Brady should think again. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – My 12-year-old daughter recently made her confirmation. I would expect her to display better judgment than that which seems to be expected of the Catholic Primate of All Ireland. As to honesty, humanity, humility, personal responsibility . . . what more is there to say? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Msgr Charles Scicluna’s defence of Cardinal Seán Brady’s culpability in the case of the new evidence surrounding years of abuse by Brendan Smyth (Front page, May 2nd) rings a little of a guard at Auschwitz pleading innocence by saying he was just following orders.
It’s new low, even for the Catholic Church. – Yours, etc,