Sir, - On Thursday's front page (September 5th), Andy Pollack reports that Father Padraig Standun warns of a "complacent, misogynist church". The Collins dictionary has "misogyny" as "hatred of women". I feel that is an over exaggeration to suggest a misogynist church, if this is the correct interpretation. I would suggest that the male church is fearful of losing its traditional position of authority.
I do agree with Father Padraig Standun that in 50 years' time the church could comprise "serried ranks of male clerics, on a one legged church" if it fails to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Women are equal! The Church needs to move from Maintenance to Mission. For the last few centuries, it has been able to maintain the faithful by providing all the normal services and sacraments. But the faithful are fading away. Pope John Paul II in his visit to Ireland said: "Every new generation is a generation to be won for Christ".
This generation is different. The social fabric and cultural attitudes are different. The effects of advertising, materialism, communication and information technology make it a very different world to live in than 50 years ago. What will it be like in 50 years' time? The "remaining faithful" need a vibrant, missionary Church which will bring alive the Gospel for its people, and shepherd its flock back to Christ.
Full membership of women in the Church is just one of the changes needed. I am sure many priests share the same view as those expressed by Father Standun. I thank him for his courage to speak out, and I pray that those in higher "authority" will put aside the fear that change can impose, and listen to their flock and discern the guidance of the Spirit. - Yours, etc.,
(A struggling male lay member of the Church),
Ashton Park,
Monkstown, Co Dublin.