Do the Bishops Read Our Comments?

by Letters Editor · Published July 3, 2019 · Updated July 1, 2019

Geoff Harris, Rooiels, Western Cape – Tom Kent’s “Make SC a Vital Read for Catholics” makes some important points and suggestions, perhaps prompted by the ancient saying that “to persist with the same old thing and expect change, is madness”.

On the same page — perhaps both literally and figuratively speaking — Mervyn Pollitt points out that, broadly speaking, the bishops seem to sadly lack any interest in The Southern Cross or its survival — in fact, quite the opposite.

Perhaps some bishops deem the many letters and suggestions as negative criticism? Or perhaps they couldn’t care less? Either attitude would be very sad indeed.

If our bishops read The Southern Cross, they remain strangely silent when important matters are raised.

For my sins, I have been an occasional contributor to the letters page for many, many years and cannot recall anyone taking umbrage at various points I have tried to make. In fact (and here’s the rub!) I cannot see that anything I, or anyone else for that matter, has written in good faith to The Southern Cross has made the slightest visible dent in our various bishops’ indifference to what their captive flock is feeling.

Hands up any bishop who has reacted to or even has an opinion on my suggestions over time of using Toastmasters International to improve priestly homilies?

Mr Kent’s letter prompts a positive suggestion: Why not have a SACBC column where the bishops provide their sheep with some fodder, and specifically respond to applicable letters published?

Our bishops could reveal what they are doing to clean up our Catholic act, and make our Church a warmer, more welcoming place for all, instead of us being viewed as the “Frozen Chosen”.

Where better place to start than in our own backyard, opening up conversations and honouring Communications Sunday all the year round?