Sir, - The departure of Bridget Anne Ryan as editor of the Irish Catholic is indeed to be much regretted. Ms Ryan stated she was banned from writing editorials, she could write them on occasions, but they had to be approved by management. As one who grew in the era of the banned book and the cut film, I thought we had left censorship behind. Obviously, as far as the Church is concerned, I was wrong.
During the past year, there have been attempts to silence those who question in any critical way the Irish Catholic Church. There seems to be an inability to distinguish between destructive and constructive criticisms. Well, I would agree that the former has been very much in evidence, I feel saddened that people such as Bridget Anne Ryan and Fr Kevin Hegarty (former Intercom editor) were tarred with the same brush.
Many, and I include myself, who focus critically on what is happening in the Irish Church do so out of a sense of tremendous loyalty and a deep personal faith and love of God. We see the Church like a large, ill equipped, outdated ocean liner floundering on rough seas. Church structures need to be modernised, its leaders need to be people of vision who are open to change; above all, they need to listen without prejudice, remembering that they have not the monopoly of the Holy Spirit.
Those who question the Church's handling of child abuse by clergy, celibacy, its response to women who seek a greater involvement in ministry; do so because they desire a church which is more in touch with the humanity, the compassion, the forgiveness and above all the love of Jesus Christ. - Yours etc.,
Bohernasup,
Ballina,
Co Mayo.