A chara, - I must say that I find Father James O'Connell's lament about the current level of biblical study among the populace a bit rich (Rite and Reason, February 6th). The Roman Catholic Church, which he represents, deliberately prevented and discouraged the common people from reading the Bible. Mass in any other language but Latin is only a very recent development.Does Father O'Connell expect that, after centuries of dissuading people from independent interpretation or thought on spiritual matters, a culture of study and debate on such issues could be brought about in the space of a single generation? I do not think he has any grounds for complaint, given the history of the organisation he serves. - Is mise,
Cathal Mooney, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.