Sir, - My modest 60th birthday contribution to the Rite and Reason column on the state of my Church (February 19th) evoked an interesting response. A veritable avalanche of letters, phone calls and direct comments suggest my thoughts struck a positive chord the length and breadth of our land. Antrim, Down, Donegal, Meath, Offaly, Clare, Kerry, Cork and Wexford featured. Supportive affirmation came from fellow priests and laity alike.
One young priest complained that my critique gave succour to, and I quote, "the enemies of the Church". Surely his comment typifies the mindset of our younger clergy. Their ultra-conservatism is giving religion a bad name. The only other negative response came from Mary Kenny, an Irish Catholic columnist. Her patronising, off-the-wall critique of what I wrote, is in reality, a compliment. To be criticised by the "reinvented" Ms Kenny is praise indeed!
However, this experience raises more serious questions. Our archdiocese is actively contemplating a diocesan synod. The clergy have already been consulted and support the idea. A follow-up consultation of the laity is envisaged. Each parish is to choose two delegates. How representative will these delegates be? Will the voice of the Women's Forum or that of Pobal be heard?
Would the proposed synod have the courage to raise the questions I have raised? The status of theology, ultra-conservatism, centralisation, sexual morality, priesthood and the Eucharist - will these be part of the synod's agenda? What about ecumenism and religious pluralism? This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other issues one might raise, including the possibility that current Vatican policy has bequeathed to our Church a gay priesthood!
Over 100 people, strangers for the most part, clergy and laity, took the trouble to write to me; what does this mean? This Gospel maxim comes to mind: "the truth will set you free". This is something, I believe, conservative Christians find impossible. They are preoccupied with certainty and immutable truth. While they look on appearances, the Lord looks at the heart.
Concentrating on appearances is what leads to judgmental attitudes, condemnation and illogical hatred. Those who have contacted or written to me in recent weeks clearly seek a more inclusive, forgiving and loving Christian community.
My "shattered dreams" are shattered no longer. There are obviously very many Christians out there, of many denominations, who accept my contention that there is an alternative vision. My intention is, and was, to issue a wake-up call. May I sincerely thank all who wrote to me or contacted me by phone. We are an "Ecclesis semper reformanda". Níl neart go chur le cheile. - Yours, etc.
Rev EAMONN J CLARKE,
The Presbytery,
Kilcoole,
Co Wicklow.