Madam, - It is always entertaining to read one of Father David O'Hanlon's missives (March 7th). He is the Manchester City of theology, mustering his attacks on all fronts and simultaneously exposing his unguarded defence to the simplest riposte. In the latest instance his comparison of Catholicism and Protestantism conveniently omits any reference to Christ.
Christ gave us Christianity, not Catholicism or Protestantism. These are man-made confections. Protestantism arose because large numbers of Catholics no longer believed their Church was following the right Christian path.
Arguably the Protestant experiment can be considered a failure because its devotees have splintered into many different sects. But by the same token Catholicism has failed too because it has not learnt from the experiences of the Reformation. It retains to this day dogmas which are more about church politics than religion - such as the need for an unmarried male clergy.
Contrary to popular speculation this is not a bad time for the Catholic Church. It is an exciting time when past failures are starting to be addressed. Conservatives such as David O'Hanlon and the bulk of the bishops would serve the Church better by accelerating its return to its Christian roots and leaving the Protestants to worry about their own problems. - Yours, etc.,
KEVIN O'SULLIVAN, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.