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.

In his previous letter, Mr Fitzgerald seemed to be under the false impression that John Paul II did not believe in the Roman Church as the one true church. I merely pointed out the error of his position. Catholics believe in the truth of their church. Our non-Catholic Christian brethren believe otherwise. This is a simple matter of logic and not a matter of arrogance.

Mr Fitzgerald closes by claiming that I misquoted him. I quoted directly from his previous letter. No misrepresentation was involved. Mr Fitzgerald claimed to be speaking on behalf of many Catholics. I am not one of them. Nor would I claim to speak on their behalf.

I would consider that to be the personification of arrogance.

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary