Madam, - Patsy McGarry hit the nail on the head when he suggested (Opinion, March 5th) that the Catholic Church might give up lawyers for Lent!
The curse of the Church is property. If the Church owned nothing it would not need a lawyer - nor could it afford one. Multinationals survive only when they continue to grow, to acquire more influence and wealth.
But religious institutions need to go into reverse if they are to prosper - start from scratch. The Apostles had nothing - not even celibacy. Only faith in Jesus. Acquisitions are what got the church into trouble.
Why not hand over Church property to lay administration. Let clergy work for their living in local places of employment according to their ability. Then, perhaps, Jesus - not the bishop - would once again be the boss. - Yours, etc.,
DECLAN KELLY, Whitechurch Road, Dublin 14.