Courtney McGrailDear Editor, I was astounded to read the amount of evidence suggesting that Bishop Juan Barros not only knew about sexual abuse by Chile’s most notorious clerical sex abuser, but actually watched him abuse teenagers (IC 09/04/2015 ‘Vatican stands by controversial bishop’). When I initially heard of the protests against his appointment as Bishop of…
Category: Opinion
Agree on lack of leadership
Dear Editor, I agree totally with Terry Healy (IC Letters 26/03/2015) about the lack of leadership from the bishops. When Bishop Kevin Doran tried to explain the teachings of the Church, he was made to apologise – by whom I wonder? Yours etc., Helen Gately, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Mary McAleese getting involved in politics sets aside an ‘honourable tradition’
Michael KellyIs it prudent of Mrs McAleese to interfere in domestic politics?
The complexities of grandparenting
Mary KennyI suppose the experience – and particularly the conditions – of grandparenthood is different for different people. And like everything else, there must be ups and downs. I hear grannies and grandpas who complain that they ‘never see their grandchildren’ – because of geographical or situational circumstances: or because the family has moved to France,…
The Polish Pope who changed the world
Notebook with Andrew O’Connell
The relationship between unity and diversity
Fr Ronald RolheiserWe live inside a world and inside religions that are too given to disrespect and violence. Virtually every newscast today documents the prevalence of disrespect and violence done in the name of religion, disrespect done for the sake of God (strange as that expression may seem). Invariably, those acting in this way see their actions…
Was the Great Famine a genocide perpetrated by the British?
Dr Martin ManserghThere must always be some hesitation about applying contemporary norms and concepts retrospectively
The Government reveals its social radicalism once and for all
David QuinnThe stakes in the coming marriage referendum could scarcely be higher, writes David Quinn
Surprised ACP neutral on same-sex marriage
Dear Editor, I am somewhat surprised that the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), have come out as neutral in the forthcoming Marriage Equality Referendum. Given that the ACP consistently proposes altering Catholic moral teaching, I am somewhat surprised at the tone of its decision to stay neutral i.e. after a survey of its members it’s…
Obama’s motives are questionable
Dear Editor, John Mangan (IC, Letters, 19/03/2015) defends Barack Obama, citing his policies and laws towards the poor and the underprivileged, particularly in the arena of healthcare and immigration. I can’t guess Mr Obama’s intentions, but it’s important to draw the distinction between the free exercise of charity and government mandated socialist policy. The motivations…