Mags Gargan
The Bishop of Meath has dismissed the issue of female priests as an “insult to women” that suggests there is “a lacking in women” because they are not priests.
Bishop Michael Smith said he “wouldn’t put any bets on” women ever being ordained priests. “I’d say that will never happen, I don’t think so,” he told The Meath Chronicle.
The bishop added that he thought the issue was “an insult to women that they must be priests” because there is a charism in femininity and a charism in masculinity and “somehow you’re saying it’s a lacking in women because you’re not a priest”.
Shortage
“Just because there’s a shortage it doesn’t mean women have to get on the altar,” he said.
Bishop Smith also dismissed the issue of married priests saying, “I’m not so sure that would solve the problem either”.
In a wide-ranging interview discussing his 34 years as a bishop, Dr Smith – who at 77 is two years past retirement age – said he hoped his successor might be appointed next year.
“It’s two years now and no, they’re not rushing but maybe early next year. I’m happy enough to retire, 34 years is a long stretch,” he said.
Pain
Reflecting on his most challenging time as bishop, he pointed to the sex abuse scandal, saying “It’s something that’s very hard to get your head around”.
“It was hard to deal with, historic cases kept showing up too, people long dead but you have to deal with it, recognise the pain people suffer,” he said.
Asked about his regrets, he said he has none about the priesthood, “but you would certainly think there are things you could have done better along the way”.