Sir, – Margaret Lee (Rite Reason, March 13th) captures perfectly the sense of frustration felt by many active lay Catholics (and clergy) at the extremely slow pace of change in the Catholic Church. There is something immensely sad about her reluctant acceptance that she might not see the “Promised Land” in her lifetime.
However, I never dreamed I would see peace in Northern Ireland in my lifetime; the fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism equally surprised us all. Change comes quickly when the men holding the power at the top realise the game is up.
I, for one, have no intention of spending 40 years in the desert looking for the Promised Land, but rather believe that we laity and clergy are all equal in baptism and are equally called to the just governance of our church.
It’s time for less deference – was Jesus deferential to the religious authorities of his time? No and they crucified him for it. We need courage now in Ireland. Be not afraid. – Yours, etc,