THE most senior cleric heading the Vatican probe this coming autumn into clerical child abuse in the Irish Catholic Church has called for "a more consultative" church.At a private meeting in Maynooth, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor told the Irish bishops and clergy that one of the biggest challenges facing them in the wake of the damning Murphy and Ryan reports into the paedophile scandals was to promote the mission of the laity.
"This must go beyond the routine and necessary chores," said the retired former Archbishop of Westminster, who also insisted that lay people must embrace responsibilities which allow for a real participative leadership.
In his address, which was only released yesterday from Maynooth, the cardinal warned that "it would be a challenge to get a huge response from some of your people".
There had to be good communication with the people who bishops and priests serve, he added.
"This means, I think, more open and consultative processes at every level of the church's life."
SIC: II