OSA,
Sir, - Although we belong to the same religious Order as Father Declan Brennan (as did Martin Luther), we wish to dissociate ourselves from his ideas (February 15th) on the grounds of content and of tone.
As a matter of fact, Rosemary Doorly is a theologically educated member of the Church, with a degree in theology and ministry from the Milltown Institute in Dublin.
As a matter of fact, she is a highly committed and engaged member of the Church.
As a matter of fact, she has the interest of the Church at heart, pace the vague criteria sketched by Father Brennan. A little background research would have obviated these inaccuracies and spared us inappropriate personal argumentation.
The challenge to leave the Church is pastorally insensitive, putting it mildly. In particular, the example of Martin Luther does not serve Father Brennan's argument, given that many of Luther's reforms were, eventually, accepted by the Catholic Church. - Yours, etc..
Rev JOHN BYRNE, OSA,
Orlagh Retreat Centre,
Dublin 16;
Dr KIERAN O'MAHONY,
OSA,
Milltown Institute,
Dublin 6.