Sir, - Many moral theologians tell us that Catholic moral teaching is based on an appeal to reason and conscience. It is most secure and potent in its fundamental values and principles. When it comes to such detailed and complex matters as contraception, we are in a greyer area. The Church may propose guidelines or ideals to conscience in these areas, but it should not pre-empt the process of conscientious reflection by misplaced appeals to divine infallibility.
Are the theologians who say this the "dissidents" Dr Connell denounces? I hope not. An intelligent discussion of the ethical implications of reproductive and bio-genetic technologies could be an outstanding contribution by the Church to the modern world. But this discussion cannot flourish if theologians risk being written off as "dissidents" at the drop of a hat. When churchmen use their power to thwart the careers of theologians they should weigh well the cost to the life of the Church. The ongoing destruction of the Church's theological culture is causing the Church to shrivel into a sect or congeries of sects.
Is Dr Connell's teaching a reflection of the Gospel or just a theological nightmare? I don't know. But I note Cardinal Konig's remark that the Vatican has painted itself into a corner with Humanae Vitae. Who can decide who is right or wrong on this contentious matter if open discussion is forbidden?
I remember a theological nightmare of the past - the topic of predestination. For more than a thousand years this issue used to plunge people into depression and despair, and the powerful arguments of St Augustine had made it seem an intrinsic part of the Gospel. But who worries about that now? Perhaps the contraception nightmare will be just as obsolete before long. - Yours, etc., Rev Joseph S. O'Leary, DD,
Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.