Sir, - Your article (The Irish Times, August 4th) notes that Dr Eamonn Casey, former Bishop of Galway, at the age of 71 doesn't want to retire. Pity about the unfortunate majority who are retired from their posts at 65.
The article also notes that he would "prefer to return to . . . some position in the church". Surely as one of the laity he would have a "position" in the church that is of equal importance in the eyes of God.
1 Timothy 3: 2-7 states "the overseer must be above reproach . . ." and ". . . must also have a good reputation with outsiders" (3:7). Perhaps Dr Casey opted for voluntary retirement when he made choices outside his church's teachings.
On the other hand 1 Timothy 3 also states: "The overseer must be . . . the husband of but one wife" . . . - Yours, etc., Ursula Byrne,
Farney Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4.