Madam, - The resignation of Cardinal Law occurred not because he had endangered children, but because this became publicly known. The reason he had endangered children was to prevent the sins of other clerics becoming publicly known.
This is the fundamental flaw of the clerical system: the fear of public knowledge of clerical moral error impels administering clerics into administrative concealment. When exposed, this catastrophically undermines the pastoral role of bishops and other clergy, and the integrity and morale of the whole church.
There is a simple solution: to separate the pastoral or caring role of bishops from the administrative. If bishops wish to restore their pastoral role to the prestige implied by the principle of apostolic succession they must relinquish their administrative sovereignty, giving oversight to lay people answerable to those in the pews - especially in all appointments that give clergy access to children.
Cardinal Law's resignation must not be seen as a solution to this now chronic problem - nor would Cardinal Connell's. The flaw is in the system.
To safeguard children, and the Church, the system must be changed. We must choose between the church and clericalism, for the former is now mortally threatened by the latter. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN O'CONAILL,
Coleraine,
Co Derry.