Church and clergy

Madam, - Mary Raftery (Opinion, April 29th) seems close at times to portraying the Church as consisting entirely, in any meaningful…

Madam, - Mary Raftery (Opinion, April 29th) seems close at times to portraying the Church as consisting entirely, in any meaningful sense, of the clergy. The Church is all the faithful, of whom the clergy are but a part. However, the faithful are at fault for allowing the environment in which the abuse occurred - where some clergy were able to see their role in terms of power and privilege, rather than humble service - to develop and continue. - Yours, etc.,

PATRICK G.BURKE,

Northbrook Road,

Dublin 6.