Bishop Leo O'Reilly of Kilmore Diocese in Ireland has publicly advocated the ordination of married men as priests (The Tablet, 20 June).
It is the first time ever that a bishop, still in office, has advocated this course of action. In recent years other bishops have stated their support for the same policy shortly after retiring, which tells its own story. The significance of Bishop O'Reilly's statement cannot be over-estimated.
It comes as the result of thorough consultation with his diocese, and he intends to discuss the matter with his fellow bishops at their meeting in October. If he can gain the support of the majority of the Irish hierarchy, they will then be in a position to approach the Vatican with a realistic prospect of being listened to seriously.
Michael M. Winter, London N19
Bishop O'Reilly cannot be right in proposing a married clergy as a solution to the vocations crisis, highly attractive as the proposal may appear. Experience in celibacy and virginity convinces not a few of an amazing and almost unbelievable truth, confirmed in the immediate voice of conscience and Matthew 5:8. We actually find that we grow in love for each other through relationship with God (involving much looking away from self) and not by personal intimacy. Love is through the conversion of emotions which intrinsically bond, as distinct from unconverted adhesive emotions which do not.
Our Catholic Church seems almost unaware that it has preserved this great truth for us all. As we become more aware and promote it, there will be many more vocations and very much greater stability for both the married and single, saying nothing of other consequences.
Fr Bryan Storey, Tintagel Catholic Church, Cornwall
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