Sir, – It is time to move beyond the current model of church and, first, imagine a new one and then work to develop it. (By church, I am referring only to the Roman Catholic Church). It is apparent that the model we have now – dominated by Rome, clerical, dictatorial, intolerant, male, celibate, inward-looking – is a clear impediment to bearing witness to the message of Christ.
We need to envisage a predominantly post-clerical church in which all believers, by virtue of their baptism, are equal (the universal priesthood). A grassroots movement is required to reclaim the church in order to better proclaim the gospel. This will involve an intense period of reflection, prayer and action. And it needs to be led by the lay Christians. As a first step in Ireland I would advocate lay people entering into dialogue with the Association of Catholic Priests; not under their leadership, but as equal partners. More importantly, dialogue between all Christians is imperative in developing the new church model which should culminate in the construction of a Christian Church. The structure or structures then put in place should only exist to the extent that they genuinely support the spreading of the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.
Might I suggest a motto for the new model of church – the old maxim: In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas (unity in essential things, freedom in matters of doubt, charity in all things). Let the discussion commence! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Those who aspire to a Catholic Spring need, perhaps, to widen their vision and work towards a Christian Spring. All Christians follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and live by the same Gospel values. It is time we celebrated what we all have in common, and prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide us to greater closeness. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, beginning on January 18th, gives us an opportunity to do so. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I agree with John McCarthy (January 5th): that the “Arab Spring” has emboldened Islamic fundamentalism. But then so too have the “restoration” policies of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI given rise to an equally problematic fundamentalism – namely, papal absolutism. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – There are many stones being cast in the debate on a Catholic Spring. There seems to be many Pharisees and few tax collectors contributing to the discussion. – Yours, etc,