Cardinal Müller a Disgrace on Marie Collins

by Letters Editor · April 11, 2017

Cardinal Gerhard Muller (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Antonio Tonin, East London – Your editorial (March 8), on Marie Collins’ resignation from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, was brilliant. I agree with it 100 percent.

But the subsequent comments reportedly made by Cardinal Gerhard Müller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, are arrogant, demeaning and insulting to Ms Collins, especially as she is a mature woman. Cardinal Müller should publicly apologise to her for such disgraceful behaviour.

I presume the cardinal did not ever suffer abuse. He said of Ms Collins that her accusations are based on a “misunderstanding”, and that bishops and religious superiors “who are closer to victims of clergy sexual abuse” are charged with their pastoral care. He ought to be reminded that she was very much closer — she was a victim!

Furthermore, for Cardinal Müller to think that the description of the very obvious, serious problem Pope Francis is having with certain conservative members of the hierarchy, “is just a cliché that must be stopped”, means he can’t face up to the fact that, after 50 years, the vision of the Church Pope John XXIII had at the Second Vatican Council, is finally being actively promoted by Pope Francis, with the encouraging help of the Holy Spirit.

As a lay person I want to know when certain members of the hierarchy worldwide are going to take seriously Papa Francesco’s injunction to get off their thrones and act like real, merciful, compassionate and understanding shepherds, and treat the laity as equal human beings?