Sir, - Your editorial criticism of the celibate Catholic priesthood (September 21st) repeats the claim that "a mere two per cent of those who pledge celibacy achieve it". It is likely that this statistic, rather than its source, will remain in readers' minds.
This figure is offered by the American ex-priest, Richard Sipe. it may be fairly suggested that Mr Sipe, together with others such as Peter de Rosa who have departed the active ministry, are not likely to be the most objective commentators on this issue.
Asserting, by implication, that 98 per cent of Catholic priests are not living as celibates presents an implausible scenario, which those of us personally well acquainted with priests will reject out of hand. Moreover, such a stark judgement and the widespread suspicion which it could engender will, I suspect, cause unwarranted pain to the very many priests who remain faithful to the obligations of their state. - Yours, etc.,
Belmont Avenue,
Dublin 4.