Sir, - On the weekend of November 16th and 17th, the Charismatic Renewal in Ireland held a conference to celebrate its 25th anniversary and The Irish Times carried a report of this event in its November 19th edition. We have, on previous occasions, had reasonable reporting about our events. This particular report, however, was anything but fair and in no way reflected the purpose, celebration and spirit of the conference.
I find it all the more disappointing given that this same journalist wrote an equally misleading report on our National Youth Conference, which took place in October. I sent you in a letter of protest at that time, which was not printed.
Your report gave prominence to the penny Cathechism which was being sold by a private individual outside the conference venue, and was totally unconnected with the event. Lack of space does not allow me to go into all of the misrepresentations your report carried however I do have a few questions:
Why no reference to the visit of Cardinal Daly, to his inspiring input and to the warm affection of participants towards him?
Why no reference to Archbishop Connell's incisive comments on the direction of contemporary Irish society?
Why no reference to the quality of new life and purpose in living that so many speakers spoke?
Why no reference to Michael and Bridie McGoldrick, and to their story of forgiveness after the murder of their son last July at the time of Drumcree?
Why no reference to the prayer and effort for peace and reconciliation that was so much to the fore?
It is strange that the only reference to the conference itself was to an input made by a priest present, and only then to misrepresent him. Your reporter didn't even get his name right, calling him Fr Pat McArdle instead of Fr Jack McArdle
Today, religious functions or events don't often draw the crowds. The presence of 3,000 people at the conference over the weekend is in itself significant. Each can tell their own story of the new relationship that is theirs through the Spirit of Jesus, of finding hope in often very difficult circumstance, of their efforts towards reconciliation. Sadly, what was reported in your paper - bore little resemblance to the actual event itself. - Yours, etc.,
Charismatic Renewal Centre,
Emmanuel House,
Pembroke Park,
Dublin 4.