There are so many interesting signals coming out of the Vatican since
the election Pope Francis that most of us are beginning to hope for a
brighter future. The signals have not as yet been followed by real changes in approach or structure, but it is probably too soon to realistically expect that.
The latest statement the CDF Prefect that the solution to the ‘problem' of the priests' groups is to be found in the declarations of the Second Vatican Council is one such signal. If it is real, and if the bishops mean something the same as we do when they refer to the teachings of the Vatican Council, then it is great news.
Here in Ireland those of us who were part of the founding of the Association of Catholic Priests were inspired by our desire to see the renewal and reforms of the Council implemented in full. Central to this, as we understand it, are the ideas of shared decision-making and dialogue.
In our three years' existence we have found it very difficult to engage in any real exchange of views with church authorities here in Ireland. The bishops have largely kept us at a distance, even though we have a membership of over 1,000 priests.
As regards the Vatican, we have had no direct communication of any nature, and any indirect messages we have got were not encouraging. We continue to emphasise that we are a group of priests who have given our lives in service of Christ and his Church, and that our concerns have grown out of our love for the Church.
We are not looking for anything particularly radical. Rather we recognise that the Church, as we know it, is in serious decline here in Ireland.
Mass attendance has plummeted and all the indications are that in 20 years' time there will be very few priests to celebrate the Eucharist unless we begin to think in new ways about ministry.
The problems facing us are not just the concern of bishops and priests, but of all the faithful so it is important to be able to discuss these issues in a forum that includes hierarchy, priests and, most significantly the Catholic faithful.
Furthermore any dialogue and discussion must not take place under the veil of secrecy but out in the open.
If this statement from the Vatican signals a new approach, with a willingness to enter into dialogue with the various priests' groups, and a willingness to begin to make decisions based on this dialogue, rather than the current practice of handing them down from on high, then there is real reason for hope.
In my view it would signal a new dawn for the Church. As part of this renewal ways must also be found of allowing the voices of the faithful to be heard, as they too are part of the decision-making process.
Fr Tony Flannery C.Ss.R. is head of the Irish Association of Catholic Priests