Cathedral changes a divisive action

I OBJECT to the proposed changes at St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Co Cork.

Post-Vatican II views on church style are imposed on us in Ireland but not in other countries, as Irish people have no say in the decision-making processes involved in the management of our churches, clergy or church property, which we support.

In this era, the whims of the bishop regarding the cathedral, if they are to be implemented, will make the future congregation cringe.

I am aware of the fact that the Catholic Church is not a democracy and of the unspoken policy of “pay up and shut up” but it may be more appropriate — considering the loss of faith in the clergy as a body over the past two decades and the plummeting attendances — to listen to the people, as we are the Church.

At a parochial and diocesan level across Ireland decisions are being made by autocrats which are not supported by the people (except, obviously, to finance these decisions) and which continue to increasingly separate the people from the clergy in a manner entirely at odds with the Vatican II views of bringing them together.

Removal of altar rails, etc, is supposed to bring the clergy and people together but the Cobh cathedral action is a superficial and patronising exercise which will not address the real issue of enfranchisement.

Eamonn Meehan

179 Bay Road

Carnlough

Co Antrim

BT440HR