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