Smasher Lagru

And in the grey areas which surround the application of moral principles to issues of deep concern, as in the work of the agencies of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference such as Trocaire, Accord and Cura, of which I am President, this is particularly true. In these grey areas it is very easy to have a fear of those who question motives, make judgments and apportion blame when in fact the only wish is to uphold Catholic principles, apply these principles in new, challenging circumstances, serve the cause of right in a voluntary capacity and offer Christian service in areas of great need. In this area in particular, the fear of being accused of wrong doing runs very deep.

And yet the ability to overcome fear, wrestle with the issues and remain loyal must also be acknowledged. Thus recurring controversies, as in the recent Cura controversy for example, have shown the loyalty, dedication and commitment of volunteers, even in the face of protracted discussions and criticism in the media.

Bishop John Fleming preaching on the subject of fear.

A couple of things struck me here - his use of the phrase "grey areas" (and he wasn't talking about his shirt, hair or personality) in connection with Trocaire, Accord and Cura, three areas of the Church's activity which have headed off in the wrong direction on a number of occasions; Trocaire partnering pro-choice organisations;  Accord promoting contraception and Cura using the CPA leaflets.  Grey areas?  Catholic marriage, abortion, contraception.

As I read his text about Cura I thought initially he was talking about the Cura Four in Donegal, expelled four raising the direction Cura was moving in (and thereby of course questioning Bishop Fleming's leadership).  I thought he's acknowledging the "loyalty, dedication and commitment" they showed.  Then I read it again and realised he's talking about himself and the others in leadership of Cura who "apply these principles in new, challenging circumstances".  These were the victims who had to endure crazy people like me questioning their motives.

Fearful?  You better believe it.