Sir, - I sometimes wonder if the Catholic hierarchy have any appreciation of the general reaction of "ordinary" Catholics and non-Catholics to their recent statement. I have yet to meet anyone who supports their views, and I am now a very senior citizen who perhaps is finding it possible late in life to consider issues and form a conscientious opinion. I must ask the question: do the bishops ever seek the opinion of their clergy? I believe that a census of their views would have been strongly against their pronouncement, particularly at this time when all our efforts should be aimed towards unification.
The views expressed by your correspondent Conor Ward (October 29th) are very much to the point, particularly when he says we should concentrate on the beliefs we share and not on those which divide us.
Finally, in the same issue of your paper, a Fr David O'Hanlon is quoted as asserting in a letter to Intercom magazine as follows: "a person of integrity who tolerates contraception .. . cannot possibly in conscience become or remain a Catholic". I haven't read his letter so cannot vouch for its authenticity, but if correct, who on earth permits or authorises such a comment? - Yours, etc., Niall G. F. O'Connell,
Knocklyon Road,
Templeogue,
Dublin 16.