I have had enough.
At the recent synod marriage and family life were discussed almost exclusively by elderly male celibates.
Now we have a preview of the US bishops' meeting, complete with photos of elderly or middle-aged male celibates: first on their proposed agenda is marriage and family life. If an organisation wanted to review the design and uses of its buildings, would it commission a group of elderly males (no women) none of whom had ever entered any of these buildings?
If the Lawn Tennis Association wanted to review the organisation and conduct of tennis, would it commission a group of elderly males (no women) none of whom had ever played the game?
Of course not. About 50 years ago the Birth Control Commission, including married couples and relevant experts among the male celibates, reached conclusions that were not accepted by the decision-makers. And we know how that has worked out in practice.
There is a wise saying: "I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand." If it is right for the Vatican finances to be attended to by people who are experts in banking and financial matters, surely it is equally right for marriage and family life to be addressed by those who understand them from lived experience.
Mark Miller, Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria
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