Vatican and dissenting voices

Sir, – We were surprised, shocked and upset to learn recently about the restrictions placed on Fr Gerry Moloney’s freedom of…

Sir, – We were surprised, shocked and upset to learn recently about the restrictions placed on Fr Gerry Moloney’s freedom of expression by officials within the Vatican.

In addition to the work he does for the Redemptorists, Fr Gerry is a highly valued parish chaplain in the Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar, Dublin. As parishioners and as members of the parish pastoral council, we can attest to the outstanding service Fr Gerry gives as pastor, preacher and fellow council member. Fr Gerry’s homilies and writings are inspirational; they sustain and strengthen the Catholic community in our parish and country, especially during these recent difficult years for the church.

The renewal of the Catholic Church in Ireland needs to be built on faith, spirituality and scripture, while witnessing to values of understanding, tolerance, trust and dialogue.

We believe that the restrictions placed on Fr Gerry Moloney are not in the church’s best interests and should be reversed. – Yours, etc,

SINEAD COOLICAN, KATY DOBEY, IAIN DONOVAN, UNA DUIGNAN, FRANCES GARDINER, FREDA HOULIHAN, EUGENIE KEARNEY, CATHY MOLLOY MIRIAM MOONEY, Fr JOE MULLAN PP BARBARA O’NEILL, Fr FRANK SAMMON SJ, CC

Parish Pastoral Council,

Three Patrons Parish, Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.