25 June 2005

Thank you for your reply to my letter of 7 June. I regret that it was made public before you received it. I had thought that four days would have been enough time. I am sorry that I am not able to accede to your request that your reply not be made public. Firstly, because a number of persons have asked if you have replied and I feel under an obligation to the same and secondly, I do not think we have anything to hide. I do not intend to go into all the details of your reply because, while I had hoped that you might hear the truth with some degree of understanding and thereby try to be open minded about the situation, you obviously are not able to do this and I feel therefore that it would be a waste of my time and yours. I do notice your statement that "your responsibility in Redfern is one of pastoral care for the priests there" making no mention of the people. My concern is rather for the people and the priests. One other thing you mention is "you will continue to support the appointed pastors in your area" without mention of the people and though you say you have no region or area. Anyway, so be it. I am sorry that you also, by implication, are not willing to hear any non church-going Redfern Catholics who may wish to confer with you.