Archbishop Martin could learn from Churchill or Archbishop Cordileone

When England was being blitzed during World War 2, one of the main factors in maintaining the morale of the population was the strong, confident and decisive leadership of Winston Churchill.

When the Catholic population of Ireland need similar type inspiration, what do we get? The ifs, buts and maybes of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. The Archbishop had a great opportunity at the recent MacGill Summer School to rally the troops. instead we get the usual ambiguity.

He says that we don’t need conformist Catholicism, when this is precisely what we need. Provided of course that people are conforming to clear Catholic teaching as implemented by the Archbishop and his colleagues.

When I rejected Catholicism I was attracted by the rigid conformism of atheists, liberals, feminists etc to their particular world view. This is precisely what attracts people. Fair play to Richard Dawkins, he conforms absolutely to standard atheist /darwinist beliefs. Intellectually I disagree, but admire his consistency.

Perhaps the Archbishop could take as his template the example of the present Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone.

After years of intellectual neglect the Archbishop is giving a strong lead in his diocese in restoring the integrity of Catholic institutions.

The response has not gone down well with the “liberal” Catholic establishment, but for most ordinary Catholics, the changes are a source of inspiration and pride. Exactly the type of reality check / wake-up call required in Ireland.

Eric Conway

Navan

Co Meath