Bishop Seamus Freeman writes in ‘The Irish Times’.
In the paper’s “RITE AND REASON” column of December 28. 2010, Bishop Freeman writes: “There was widespread disappointment among the faithful that in the pope’s letter last March, sex abuse was not seen as a symptom of shortcomings in church structure
‘When Pope Benedict XVI wrote his Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland in March 2010, Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady issued a wide invitation, asking people to respond to this groundbreaking initiative.
‘Since then, a huge amount of work has been undertaken within the church to pave the way to a hopeful future. But this is a period which, with Dickens, we might call “the worst of times”.
‘For the church in Ireland, what could be more devastating than the trail of destruction brought about by child sex abuse and related failures in accountability?
‘It is a stark truth that will forever hold the church up to accusation. In 2010, in parishes and dioceses throughout the country, people who love the church have been talking. They know the past failings of the church were at wide variance with its mission. This truth is painful for all of us, and it begs the question: “Why?”
‘For believers, Jesus Christ is the lord whose spirit fired up the first disciples to believe and to give witness, and to form into the communities which became the church. This is the vision many people have for the church.
‘This year, bishops invited people of their dioceses to come to listening sessions where painful and fruitful concerns were expressed. People were asked to speak from their hearts and to speak the truth. Bishops listened.
‘In the nine months from April to December, over 3,000 people have contributed written responses to the Pope’s letter.”
Séamus Freeman is Bishop of Ossory and chairman of the bishops’ Council for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development. For the remainder of his article see:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1228/1224286363694.html
For comment by Patsy McGarry, The Irish Times Religious correspondent see:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1228/1224286363917.html