A chara, Recent newspaper reports informed us that a criminal known as "the Monk" adheres to the ethical code of omerta - the Mafia code of silence and absolute loyalty to the party line. It was, then, refreshing good news for Easter to read recent reports that Bishop Willie Walsh of Killaloe rejects such a Mafia type code and is willing to question the party line as communicated by the Roman control group.in our Catholic Church on issues such as mandatory celibacy and the ordination of women. Many decent Catholic people knew in their hearts 40 years ago that the Goldenbridge/Brendan Smyth type activities were wrong. Not enough of us spoke up clearly or challenged the party line at that time.
Mandatory celibacy is a cruel injustice and abuse of men who are called to ministry, but not celibacy. This unjust law is depriving God's people of ministry, word and Eucharist, thereby adding to the woes of the world. It needs to be changed now, and not sometime next century.
Bishop Walsh is not alone in finding it difficult to understand the arguments advanced by the Roman control group for the exclusion of women from priesthood. The arguments are mainly from tradition and do not stand up to open debate. They come across as dog in the manger efforts by a small group of patriarchs who wish to continue the ancient tradition of suppression of women by celibates and the early church fathers.
It is tragic for women, and the world in general, that this small control group in the largest Christian church continues to assert outdated and erroneous party line attitudes. We need the complementary talents and insights of women in all facets of our world and society. We urgently need the talents and ministry of women in, the priesthood and hierarchy of our church.
Our association welcomes the courageous stance by Bishop Walsh. We think it is very important for all Catholics to speak out in solidarity with him. The best thinking of Vatican II needs to be retrieved from the Roman control group and implemented in our parishes and dioceses. Power must be shared with lay people. Democratic structures need to be set up at all levels of the church. Ministry needs to be reformed so as to use the talents of women, men, celibate and married persons.
The evils of patriarchy and patriarchal thinking need to be thrown away. Positive attitudes to women and sexuality need to replace traditional ones. The Roman control group should acknowledge that the teaching in Humanae Vitae has not been accepted by the faithful and must, accordingly, be re-examined. We need open, honest communication leading to consensus and change. We need a strong ecumenical drive so that all Christians can be one. We need a Catholic church synod in every country for the year 2000, followed by Vatican III as soon as possible thereafter. Is mise, le meas, Chairman, Leaven, Irish Association of Former Priests, Religious and Partners, Sycamore Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 16.