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The complete text of Marie Collins’ statement to the National Catholic Reporter on her resignation from the Papal Commission for the Protection of Minors

"I find it impossible to listen to public statements about the deep concern in the church for the care of those whose lives have been blighted by abuse, yet to watch privately as a congregation in the Vatican refuses to even acknowledge their letters!"

Why has the Enlightenment dream of a just society proved a mirage, especially in Ireland, and where is integrity to be found? Sean O’Conaill looks for answers to the Gospel.

Teresa Mee, a returned missionary sister, feels there is too often no ‘communion’ with our typical Irish Mass – and explains why.

Following recent visits from Taoiseach Enda Kenny and all of Ireland’s bishops, what picture of the Irish Church – and its problems – does Pope Francis now have? And what do you see?

Does the hierarchical church overuse Latin to overawe, divide and exclude?  Aidan Harte thinks so – and argues for a change in the way church documents are named.

With rates of self-harm climbing among young people, Sean O’Conaill argues that we need urgently to respond to the power of media with the Gospel message of the equal and inalienable worth of everyone.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has presented an Instruction regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation.

A survey showed that 20% of Curial officials polled supported Francis, 10% opposed him and 70% are waiting for the next pope!! In the last 100 years no pope has faced such opposition,

"Francis says he wants to promote a healthy decentralization of the church. And it is hard to think of anything that currently is more centralized than Rome’s appointment of bishops around the world." (Robert Mickens NCR)

Teresa Mee finds deep spirituality and companionship in an Irish community of artists and writers.

What do conscience, justice and mercy require of us in regard to the participation of those in same-sex relationships in any public aspect of lay ministry in the church? Sean O’Conaill states a very personal view.

"Do we realize the price we are paying for an un-called-for and unhealthy failure to speak?"
"What happens to the church when it is separated from a living theology?"
"Do we realize what happens to our theology when it is separated from the living church?"