2001 - 17,906
2005 - 16,322 indicating a loss of 1,584 in just 4 years that figures are available and if this trend alone continues over the next 20 years we are in serious trouble indeed...
At present 43% of Irish clergy are in 50-70 age bracket, with the 80+ group increasing in numbers...
Will we have female clergy or even open a debate on the possibility?
According to a spokesperson for the Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy (pic alongside),
'this is simply a non-starter, I can't see it happening.' !!
Well Bishop, you may not see it happening but you could at least start the debate!!!
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Sotto Voce