Today’s priests want church abuse investigated

THE article ‘‘Church attacked for silence’’ (ODT, 13.10.18) leaves me rather perplexed.

Bishop Dooley has, in my opinion, cooperated extremely well with the media while further investigations in all cases are completed. He has sought the guidance and help of professionals dealing in matters of sexual misconduct and abuse.

He is also meeting all victims involved in the sordid matter before any decision or outcome can be made.

I, like other priests, want the whole matter thoroughly investigated. This is a very serious matter and, as Bishop Michael stated, ‘‘At this moment I am meeting local victims and survivors and my primary concern is to listen to them’’.

I was privileged on behalf of the priests of our diocese to officially welcome him as our new bishop after his episcopal ordination and I have complete confidence that he will continue his dialogue with all victims involved, and listen deeply to the professional advice given him before any decision or outcome be made.

This takes time but I’m confident nothing will be glossed over. Then a sense of healing and peace will begin. The Rev Wayne Healey

Oamaru

Let’s nationalise power

WE all know electricity is too expensive in New Zealand — the reason seems to me to be very clear profittaking at each stage of production, delivery and use.

Take my current bill, if I understand it correctly.

My bill came to $317. The company purchased $71 of electricity and sold it to me for $158. The other charges were for lines, admin etc.

Surely then, it is time to end this layering of profit. We are too small a country and it would make economic sense to nationalise all largescale power production and delivery. This would halve our domestic power costs.

I would vote for that. I would happily pay a oneoff profit of 10% to the new government owners.

B. Smith

Dunedin