Integrity and tremendous resilience were two of the characteristics noted by the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Eames, yesterday in describing Cardinal Cahal Daly on his departure as head of the Irish Catholic Church. The warmth of the Church of Ireland primate's tribute, and its honesty, epitomise the development of inter church relations in the last quarter of a century to which both men have contributed so much.
In a career as bishop, archbishop and cardinal that covers almost exactly the political turmoil in the (North, as well as the social and religious change flowing initially from Vatican II, Dr Daly has been both a beacon of continuity in his own faith and a champion of better understanding with those of other beliefs. His passionate sincerity in denouncing violence and the indomitable optimism he has displayed at times of crisis illustrated once again yesterday, as he retired, by his declaration that peace by consent could be achieved in his lifetime have been hallmarks of a deep commitment to surmounting the evil divisions inherited from the past.
In some obvious respects it has been a losing battle. The IRA ignored him when he called on it to end its campaign in the early 1970s, as it did later when the Pope during his visit to Ireland in 1979 appealed to it to lay down its arms, using words said to have been drafted by Dr Daly. The harsh reality of Northern politics dictated that his transparent desire to reassure Protestants, by rejecting coercion in no uncertain terms and arguing for political dialogue, was ineffective too, falling on the stony ground of inflexible disbelief.
That summary of the reactions in a polarised society does not take account, however, of the change of climate that led ultimately to the peace process. The present stalemate, and the depth of antagonism unleashed at Drumcree, overshadow the long period during which politics began to gather strength during the 1980s, making it possible for the first time in history to think of a civilised end to conflict. Dr Daly was an early contributor to that development with his advocacy of ecumenism and his strong belief that both communities had much to lose from the collapse of Christian values. He failed to make any impact on grassroots Protestantism, but that reflected the extent to which religion is not the main point of difference. In a broader sense, his ecumenical approach is likely to leave a profound mark on relations between the churches and their leaders.
In dealing with the challenge to his own church, he has been less successful. Few will deny the courage he showed on The Late Late Show last November, which encapsulated the transformation of attitudes in the last 10 or 15 years from widespread respect, in public at any rate, to sceptical questioning, overt cynicism and doubt. But that episode also suggested that Dr Daly had lost touch not only with lay opinion but also with many priests. The flood of pressures, ranging from the revelations of sexual abuse by clerics, the Bishop Casey affair and Bishop Comiskey's challenge to Dr Daly's authority, coupled with growing support for women priests and an end to priestly celibacy, is a crisis not only for the traditional church but for Irish society. At this unprecedented moment, the necessary leadership has not been forthcoming.
Nothing in the past could have prepared any leader of the Irish church for such a succession of calamities and demands, and Dr Daly's response has been dignified, contrite and compassionate, but resistant to change in traditional practices. Archbishop Sean Brady, who takes over, can draw on a fund of goodwill across the religious divide, but can have few illusions about the difficulties he faces.