Monthly Archives: December 2009

Autocracy and authority

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Quentin

What is the most misused word in the debates which surround the Church’s actions and relationships? My prime candidate is the word “authority”. With menacing inevitability it is always reduced to command and obedience. In doing so we condemn ourselves … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Herald columns, Church and Society | 22 Comments

I’m just not listening

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Quentin

My wife has from time to time accused me of not listening, with the simple question: “What did I just say?” Whereupon I have immediately repeated, word for word, her last relevant sentences. She finds this irritating. But of course … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholic Herald columns | 3 Comments

The Murphy report is a cry for deep spiritual renewal

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Quentin

This is the leading article from The Catholic Herald, issue 4 November 2009 O     O     O The Ryan report on Irish child abuse, published in May, left us holding our collective breath, waiting for the publication … Continue reading →

Posted in Bio-ethics, Catholic Herald, Moral judgment, Uncategorized | 23 Comments