Church has no power over us

It is with great disappointment that I learned recently of the veiled threat of the potential excommunication of politicians voting in favour of the proposed abortion legislation.

While the Church wishes to deny the termination of pregnancy in all circumstances, we all know there will be exceptional circumstances where the right to choose should not be denied.

I must say that I find this stance extraordinary coming from a church that has not excommunicated one member of the clergy convicted of rape and sexual assaults of young children worldwide: A church which told their members not too long ago not to report sexual abuse claims to the guards but report directly to Rome, a church which, when 3000 cases were reported within a short time period, head office in Rome dictated that they should be investigated by each diocese as they were unable to cope.

The Church needs to wake up to the fact that they no longer have dictatorial powers over the majority of their flock, long lost to them by the depraved acts of some and subsequent wholesale betrayal of numerous innocent children.

I will continue to practise my faith in my own way and am well capable of making my own decisions regarding the welfare of all children, both the living and unborn.

C O’Herlihy

Blackrock

Cork