Sir, – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin calls in his interview for "a vocal group of Catholics who can take part in the overall reflection of society precisely as believers" (News, April 22nd).
A feature of the Catholic Church in Ireland today is the absence of any forum in which lay Catholics can articulate their views on any major aspect of church policy.
I have personally raised issues with the archdiocese and with individual priests on a number of occasions, most recently earlier this year, only to find great unwillingness to engage in discussion on the issues facing the church.
It seems lay opinion is not valued.
As I see it, there are many believers like myself who watch in despair at the church’s failure to assert itself. Its message has the potential to be a significant force for the betterment of society and the quality of life of individuals, notwithstanding past institutional and personal failures in the church.
A mature and open relationship with lay believers is an essential part of making this process work. – Yours, etc,
JOE LENIHAN,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is correct in stating that the church “is imprisoned in the past”.
However, as the official leader of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin he could be the agent of its liberation if he so wished.
What is stopping him? – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.