Healthy debate essential

by Letters Editor · February 10, 2011

From Angela Barnard, Port Elizabeth

I congratulate the effort and expense of Mr Paul Goller to initiate debate and discussion on the thoughts contained in both Bishop Kevin Dowling�s reflections (to a select and confidential group) and the response by our Bishops� Conference, both published in his full-page advert.

Sadly, the only discussion that followed was in the form of an unreserved apology from the good bishop of Rustenburg, who is in no way capable of causing offence to the least or greatest of souls, but rather, is loved and revered as one who spares no pains on himself to be totally at the service of building� up, strengthening in faith and charity, all whom he leads.

And thus the debate seems to have been forthwith terminated.� Sorry, about that, Mr Goller, because I am convinced that there was absolutely nothing in either Bishop Dowling�s initial statement or the Conference�s measured reply with which anyone could seriously disagree. The one complemented the other. Certainly there was no need for an apology.

In today�s climate of diocesan synods, inter-diocesan consultations, a call by our episcopal leadership to invite the laity to pay up R50 million for an up-beat, cutting-edge, state of the art organ of governance (Khanya House) in the spirit of a self-sustaining, self-reliant Church.

I would hope that, as well as a collection of cash from us the laity, there could be a healthy, respectful, mature and spirited exchange of ideas and divergent views on topics that need to be articulated, not only at synods and meetings, but constantly on-going.

After all, our bishops� conference has as its emblem the black and white shield of the Dominican Order; and with it their noble tradition of study and proclamation of Truth (Veritas) in ever new and dynamic ways in whatever circumstances of time and place.

Long may the pages of The Southern Cross continue to provide the opportunity for healthy debate and freedom of expression.