Catholic hierarchy unfairly castigated

FAR from a “kneejerk” reaction to anything critical of the Catholic Church, as alleged by Maurice Fitzgerald (Letters, February 13), I was responding (January 28) to a particular criticism levelled at the hierarchy by him.

Mr Fitzgerald unfairly castigated them for their supposed failure to address the “many vices” in our society.

My letter contained a quotation from Archbishop Diarmuid Martin which contradicts this claim. I am glad to see that, contrary to the position taken in his previous letter, Mr Fitzgerald now accepts the Catholic hierarchy at least speaks out against violence.