IRELAND
The Tablet (UK)
Fr Tony Flannery
5 July 2013
There are so many interesting signals coming out of the Vatican since the election Pope Francis that most of us are beginning to hope for a brighter future. The signals have not as yet been followed by real changes in approach or structure, but it is probably too soon to realistically expect that. The latest statement the CDF Prefect that the solution to the ‘problem’ of the priests’ groups is to be found in the declarations of the Second Vatican Council is one such signal. If it is real, and if the bishops mean something the same as we do when they refer to the teachings of the Vatican Council, then it is great news.
Here in Ireland those of us who were part of the founding of the Association of Catholic Priests were inspired by our desire to see the renewal and reforms of the Council implemented in full. Central to this, as we understand it, are the ideas of shared decision-making and dialogue.
In our three years’ existence we have found it very difficult to engage in any real exchange of views with church authorities here in Ireland. The bishops have largely kept us at a distance, even though we have a membership of over 1,000 priests.
As regards the Vatican, we have had no direct communication of any nature, and any indirect messages we have got were not encouraging. We continue to emphasise that we are a group of priests who have given our lives in service of Christ and his Church, and that our concerns have grown out of our love for the Church.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.