A chara, – I couldn't understand Patricia Melvin's logic in placing her faith in institutional Catholicism (Rite & Reason, November 30th).
Certainly the institutional Roman Catholic Church will survive indefinitely, given the power, money and hierarchical structures that have sustained it for millennia; however its status as a facilitator of faith and morality will become increasingly irrelevant.
All of the listening that forms the current worldwide synodal process will ultimately be forwarded to Rome and distilled by the same failed clerical hierarchy that governs the church today. Having just finished a biography of Martin Luther, Catholic Dissident, it is depressing to be reminded, 500 years later, how deaf Rome is when it comes to listening to or empowering its Laity. Luther would not be one bit surprised.
– Is mise,
VINCENT KENNY,
Knocklyon, Dublin 16.