CAOIMHIN KENNA,
Sir, - In response to Emmet Moorehouse (February 4th), I do not know if the compensation deal for child abuse is fair or not. I leave this to others to decide. Nor do I condone the appalling abuse carried out by a small percentage of the clergy of the Catholic Church - or, of course, that carried out by parents or others who would normally be expected to have a duty to uphold all that is morally right in dealings with children. I do, however, take issue with the statement by Mr Moorehouse that "the church is not taken seriously as a moral or political force and this is a sign of a great defeat". Leaving aside the surprising reference to political force, I must say that I believe that Mr Moorehouse's contention is very much exaggerated.
I believe that very many people do indeed still look to the Catholic Church for moral guidance. I must say that I have had contact with countless priests, brothers and nuns down through the years and have invariably been struck by how dedicated, talented and faithful to their calling they are. Here in Munich, at the St Kilian's English-speaking community, we have been led by priests (Irish, as it happens) during the past 15 years who can only be described as outstanding men. In addition, the calibre of visiting priests in that time, whether for lectures, retreats, chats etc., has been awe inspiring. So, here's one person who does indeed look to the Catholic Church as a moral force and does so gratefully.
Does this mean that I think that everything in the church garden is rosy? Of course not. I shall conclude, however, with a statement made by a Jesuit priest many years ago: "Seek out the perfect church and join it; but realise that from that moment on, it is no longer perfect." - Yours, etc.,
CAOIMHIN KENNA, Neubiberg, Munich, Germany.