Sir, - I agree with Fr. Patrick McCafferty (November 29th) when he states: "It is a need crying out to heaven that these matters [child abuse in all its forms] be energetically, sincerely and wholeheartedly confronted by the entire Church."
When this terrible demon appeared in all its evil manifestations, I distinctly remember representatives of the Catholic Church Hierarchy stating that no stone would be left unturned in order to confront this monster.
Now the impression seems to be out there, rightly or wrongly, that both the Catholic Church and the State authorities are backsliding on their previous commitments. Why, for example, are Church authorities, diocesan, religious and state - refusing to open their archives?
Following Bishop Willie Walsh's suggestion, many people are now beginning to wonder why there is not a thorough investigation into the alleged link between enforced celibacy and child abuse.
Why are the solicitors and barristers calling all the shots when it comes to reconciliation and compensation between the Catholic Church and the victims? I would have thought Jesus Christ would have a say in the issue, yet the impression seems to be that he doesn't get a look in.
Also, why, even at this late stage, haven't the Irish bishops issued a pastoral letter, as Fr McCafferty rightly suggests, "addressing the deep hurt of so many and asking forgiveness from victims on behalf of our brothers and sisters who have sinned against them". Surely, as we approach the Jubilee Holy Year of the Lord, this should be a top priority.
Yes, a fair amount has been done by the Hierarchy and State in dealing with this scandal, especially when it comes to reporting allegations to the relevant authorities, but, as the above unanswered questions suggest, it is clearly not enough. - Yours, etc., Jackie Robinson PP,
Aghaboe, Clough, Ballacolla, Co Laois.