ROSEMARY DOORLY,
Sir, - Yes, of course, as Emmet Moorehouse has pointed out (February 4th) people are walking away from the Catholic Church. Add to the scandals the inertia in dealing with contemporary problems, the backtracking on its own self-understanding as a community in which everyone is called and gifted, its return to hardline attitudes, especially in regard to women, and the fact that no one is shouting "Stop", and it is easy to see why so many Catholics are now questioning their continued commitment.
In a democracy a complex system is in place to ensure that the State remains true to its objectives as expressed in its constitution. Through the courts, challenges can be brought, rights protected and injustices addressed. Channels exist through which the wisdom of the people can be fed into policy-making. There is a forum for public debate. The vote is the ultimate sanction.
In the institution of the Church no such checks and balances are in operation. Church leaders are not exempt from tendencies to evil, from the drives, prejudices, fears, mistakes and infirmities that form part of our human condition. What means are available with regard to the Church to ensure consistency, to challenge or critique, to protect rights, to seek justice, or to influence policy? Only trial by media and the vote with the feet.
Structures must be established in the Church which will guarantee respect for the dignity of the human person and his/her giftedness. An institution which claims to bear the revelation of a loving Creator has an incentive to do so additional to that of the democratic state. - Yours, etc.,
ROSEMARY DOORLY,
Trees Road,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.