Flanagan and Fr. Whatmore should read our recent statement as a call to battle. But they have failed to notice that the doctrine of Collegiality. which was put forward by the Vatican Council, is not in opposition to Papal Primacy. Indeed, the Council documents are carefully worded to make this evident.
Oliver Pratt (Convener) Peter Weir (Hon. Secretary) Pastoral Development Group South Croydon.
THE Catholic Priests' Asso ciation protests (March 14) "against the contents, tone and temper of the manifesto issued by the newly-formed Pastoral Development Group."
Perhaps Fr. Whatmore and Fr. Flanagan would explain what their disagreement is with point (1) as quoted in the CATHOLIC HERALD . . "By virtue of their consecration all bishops are responsible for the Christian life of the Church, not only in their own diocese, but throughout the world. They have chosen to exercise this world-wide responsibility through the Synod of Bishops. We believe that at this Synod it is of crucial importance for them and for us all to create the means of putting their decisions into effect."
In view of the statements made by Fr. Whatmore and Fr. Flanagan l think my question is valid and requiring an answer.
A. F. Brookes