I just wonder where the Good News of the gospel is in all of this [The Tablet, 27 September]?
Yet again the Church, in the form of its hierarchy, sadly comes over as arrogant, authoritarian, judgemental and out of touch. Tina Beattie’s letter clearly states that she has not been told what she is accused of, no evidence has been submitted to her, and it seems that Archbishop Cushley has not been courteous enough to reply to her. This is not the first time such a situation has arisen and regretfully it will not be the last. Where is justice and transparency? Does the Catholic Church not feel it has a moral obligation to uphold and model these values?
On the opposite page of the same edition of The Tablet Cardinal Nichols refers to "…. finding ways of creating a culture of mercy in the Church" – does this mean that the values of mercy and compassion are not present either?
In trying to live out my faith I believe that it is important to question and explore, to be open to and consider differing perspectives - for each person to have a voice - not to be silenced.
Mary Barrett, Westbury Park, Bristol
I sincerely hoped that, following the welcome accession of Pope Francis, the days when bishops, priests and articulate church members would be reported by sneaky overnight letter to the CDF, were well and truly over.
Recent attempts to silence and censor conscientiously held views (Mary McAleese in Sydney and Professor Tina Beattie in Edinburgh) and abundant evidence, especially in the Edinburgh case, of the dead hand of CDF involvement, remind me sadly that it is business as usual.
The largest amd most insidious body of doctrinal dissent in our Church is comprised of those who still persist in non-acceptance of the teachings and spirit of the Second Vatican Council.
I would urge the CDF to concentrate its considerable fire power on such real and widespread dissenting and at the same time to listen attentively and respectfully to to the eloquent and prophetic voices of these and many more outstanding women.
The alternative scenario - allowing the Church we love to be dragged by the hair, kicking and screaming, back to the days of Galilleo - is an appalling vista.
Edward Butler, County Donegal
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