Sir, - David Quinn's response (August 24th) to Fintan O'Toole's charges was both dignified and effective. It was somewhat disappointing, therefore, that he found it necessary to hasten to add that his support of Catholic teaching was qualified. Heavily qualified, in fact.
The Catholic Church is, to my knowledge, unique in that it endeavours to set out, and keep up to date, an objective moral code. Moreover, this is in a form none of us really wants, i.e. without ambiguity. Without such a code, however, it would be little more than one church among many, telling people what they wanted to hear, and dispensing "feel-good". It is not a cafeteria, offering an a-la-carte menu, nor, at the same time, is membership compulsory. Those who reject its basic teachings are free to leave, as many have done over history. In today's world, it is not a place for the faint-hearted.
Whether David Quinn's seeking of cover arises from a failure of conviction, a failure of commitment, or a failure of courage we cannot know. But it makes the case in favour of Rosemary Brown (Dana), from whom he distances himself, all the more convincing. - Yours, etc.,
Churchtown, Dublin 14.