Tony Flannery

It is becoming increasingly obvious that all is not peaceful and happy in the upper echelons of the Vatican, and that the upcoming Synod on the Family is bringing things to a head. It is ironic that the conflict has centred around who should and should not go to Communion, considering that Jesus in his time caused great scandal by eating with ‘tax collectors and sinners’.

Two books are coming out in early October arguing vehemently that people who are divorced and remarried, or are in second relationships, should not be allowed to receive the Eucharist.  

On Wednesday evening of this week I attended the launch of Mary T. Malone’s new book, The Elephant in the Church.
It was a special evening. A large crowd gathered in Marianella for the launch, which was done by Geena Menzies.
Mary T. is a wonderful speaker, clear, precise and highly entertaining. The book charts the history of what she calls ‘woman Christianity’. Her thesis is that almost from the beginning Christianity has been written and designed by men, for men, and with men in charge.

Since I got involved in the reform movement in the Church with the ACP some five years ago I have attended many meetings and gatherings on various aspects of reform. Last night’s meeting in Clare, organised by the Killaloe Forum on the Diaconate, was probably the most hopeful of them all.
First some background:
Two years ago the diocese organised a listening process. By all accounts this was both extensive and very well done, and resulted in the drawing up of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which was launched about a year ago.