Frightening attack on the Church
In my opinion it is reminiscent of her over-the-top contribution to a debate on abortion in recent years.
Sex abuse of children by priests or others is an appalling crime. Perpetrators should be subjected to the full rigour of the law; victims of these crimes need adequate help and ongoing support.
Liz O’Donnell would be wise to remember the contribution that the Church has made to society as a whole. The injustice of her total condemnation of all Catholic clergy and of the Church is frightening.
She also failed to recognise that, as reported, over 90% of sex abuse is committed by persons other than priests.
Apparently, in our modern view, the methods used by past generations to deal with problems in society were a total disaster.
The media have decided that the administrative authority of the Catholic Church was responsible. I am not in a position to comment on the authenticity of this conclusion.
However, I feel I can comment on the present-day situation. We are a wealthy society and considering all the opportunities available, I wonder why we have reports on alcoholism, drug abuse, street gangs terrorising housing estates, street brawls resulting in deaths, binge drinking, suicides and lack of accommodation for young offenders who need help, etc.
Are we dealing with our own problems any better than those who have been so severely censured?
Perhaps beside her need to silence Church personnel on her pet issues (IVF, abortion, stem cell research, contraception, homosexuality, adoption, civil marriage), Liz O’Donnell could apply her energy to resolving some of our current social problems.
The Ferns report has caused outrage and people are entitled to express their feelings. Politicians and others, aided by some sections of the media, should not use this report to promote their own agendas.
Sheila Crowley
Gurteenroe
Macroom
Co Cork
