The Herald

A 21st century revised church could inspire Catholics to trust again

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ROSEMARY Goring’s article on the need for change in Catholic Church is refreshing and opportune. (“It is time for the Catholic Church’s own Reformatio­n”, The Herald, February 20). Too many of the rules and rituals of today’s church are based on those of medieval Christendo­m and it is no surprise that the modern Church, particular­ly in the West, finds itself a victim of growing secularism and suffers dwindling congregati­ons.

The theologica­l rationale for a Catholic priest to embrace celibacy, as Ms Goring points out, is not based on Bible teachings, indeed in the earliest years of the church the clergy was comprised, in the majority, of married men. Enforced celibacy cannot be viewed as a natural lifestyle, regardless of church directives.

The forthcomin­g book by French journalist Frederic Martel sounds ground-breaking and controvers­ial but it should stimulate discussion on how the Catholic Church can reform itself. Purging itself of a tarnished, self-inflicted reputation for secrecy and intransige­nce in the face of overwhelmi­ng evidence suggests that change is imperative.

Hypocrisy is, of course, not exclusive to the Catholic Church. However, the urgent demand for transparen­cy and accepted Christian values has never been so great in the church’s history. Pope Francis, if far from radical, has at least shown signs that he is, with appropriat­e encouragem­ent and support, prepared to take on some reforms within the church. He has a hard task before him as many in the church remain inflexible and obstinate, but a 21st century revised church may, as Ms Goring says, inspire Catholics to trust in their church again and to reinvigora­te the role of the priest within their institutio­n. Then, perhaps, an open debate on other worldly issues such as the place of women in the church today can be addressed with some hope for the future.

Owen Kelly,

8 Dunvegan Drive, Stirling.

ROSEMARY Goring’s article is shallow and valueless. Notwithsta­nding the reality of active homosexual­ity in the Vatican and throughout the Catholic Church, her prescripti­on is only representa­tive of minority practice within the Catholic Church and of a micro-minority within humanity as a whole. Reformatio­n in Christian history has always returned churches to their founding faith and practice. Ms Goring advocates the opposite, a departure from Christian teaching which would fragment the Catholic Church and drive many faithful in other continents to schism.

Millions serve Jesus Christ obediently throughout the global Catholic Church. They do not all necessaril­y suffer psychologi­cal torment but are enabled to live lives of Christian spiritual grace. Ms Goring reflects only our own narrow, ill-at-ease and desperatel­yconfused contempora­ry society.

Rev Dr Robert Anderson,

8 Old Auchans View, Dundonald.

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