Church must build trust with openness

IRELAND
Irish Independent

Editorial

PUBLISHED
26/08/2016

Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Maynooth is not to be condemned, but it is not to be canonised either, according to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, speaking on RTÉ. If this was an endorsement, it was less than whole-hearted. He also said that the seminary would have to change not just because of allegations, but because we are “living in a different world”.

After bishops admitted to having concerns at the “unhealthy atmosphere” at the seminary, Archbishop Martin tried to draw a line under the controversy. Unfortunately, his comments are unlikely to put matters to rest.

The church has endured a relentless barrage of criticism for elevating its interests and reputation above the needs of its followers. It has been charged with being aloof, arrogant and out of step. It has further been attacked for failing to confront weaknesses and for retreating into its shell.

It therefore has a responsibility to be open and transparent. Maynooth’s board of trustees have said they will review social media policies and procedures for handling whistleblowers following allegations of trainee priests using dating apps. This came after Dr Martin’s stated intention to send seminarians from his archdiocese to Rome, instead of the national seminary, due to his worries over “strange goings-on” in St Patrick’s.

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