This refers to the letter of Ayres Sequeira, “To criticize the church is a blasphemy” (Herald March 24). I remember the times when my grandmother used to say “Never talk ill of priests, it is a blasphemy; never criticize the Church, it is a sin; never dare to say anything against the Pope, it is a mortal sin!”
Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, to religious or holy persons or things, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable. Some religions consider blasphemy as a religious crime and have hate speech laws that cover defamation of religion and public expression against a religious group. While Muslim and Hindu fanatics become more and more allergic to the slightest criticism, I am glad that the Catholic Church has come a long way from those times when it too was bigoted and narrow-minded.
The Church does a shining job in many fields of activity. There’s in it a degree of emancipation never seen before. It is constantly endeavouring to put its house in order, as well as to procure economic, social, political rights and equality for specifically disenfranchised groups.
But, let’s frankly admit, that a lot of malaise still prevails within the Church. It is every Catholic’s bounden duty to indulge in constructive criticism of the Church so that it turns everyday into a more vibrant God-centered institution.
But whatever we do, let’s do it with the intention of uplifting the Church, which is facing serious obstacles from radical elements. And, as we pledge to make our Church stronger in this turbid atmosphere, let’s never forget the Archbishop’s words uttered long ago before a large congregation of Catholics, “Brothers and sisters, no matter what your grievances are, let’s remember to be united. Either we rise together or sink together”.
I am not bothered about those politicians who change their colours as chameleons, but we who pride ourselves on being true Catholics must remember to put always the common good before our selfish interests.
Constructive criticism of the Church can by no stretch of imagination be equated with blasphemy.
