Sir, – Loretto Browne's response (June 24th) to Fr Tony Flannery's article on women priests, which points out that he can leave the Roman Catholic Church and join another denomination, is wholly correct; however, it underlines Fr Flannery's points about the restriction of discussion in the Catholic Church ("Stifling debate on women priests damages the church", Rite & Reason, June 21st). Perhaps a more productive response would be a consideration of his sentiment and how the principles of the Second Vatican Council have been interpreted.
A number of years ago, I inadvertently followed your letter-writer’s advice and moved to the Church of Ireland (a member of the Anglican Communion). One of my main motivations was that its structures allowed for greater discussion, dialogue, and discernment of theological and social matters. In addition, it has been a joy to have both female and male clergy who can bring the full range of their life experiences to their ministry.
Finally, it should be noted that the “Anglican Church”, as your letter-writer states, is not governed by Queen Elizabeth. The British monarch is the titular head of the Church of England, which is a member of the Anglican Communion. – Yours, etc,
Dr RICHARD SCRIVEN,
Ballinlough,
Cork.