Listening to the laity

Madam, - Poor Dr Diarmuid Martin: damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

Those who scorn his proposal to have pastoral councils in every parish should realise that a pastoral council is the gateway to dialogue. It is even run on democratic principles. A pastoral council facilitates active listening to identify the spiritual needs and concerns of the laity.

While this listening may take some time, the council is in a position from an early stage to take many initiatives to bring about a more compassionate and inclusive Church. - Yours, etc.,

TONY CORCORAN,

Fairbrook Lawn,

Rathfarnham,

Dublin 14.