The Goliards were mischievous and fun-loving clerics in the middle-ages who incurred the wrath of the establishment and the anger of those who took religion a little too seriously. Admittedly, there were excesses and acts of irreverence that would shock us all these days. Times have changed, but there are still priests who find too few clergy and laity who even care.

These days, there is a large number of priests who are laicised, banished or ordained outside the official Church (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox or any other). Some may be immoral, perverse or crooked. Others seem to have a genuine vocation of some kind. It seems impossible to draw the line other than by distinguishing those who conceive the priesthood as something to line their own pockets and further their own self interest or a service to other people.

I forbid any comment that says equivalent words to “Join the XXX Church because it is the true church and if you cannot pass muster with its authorities, it is because you are of no value“. Every human being is loved by God, and every crumb that falls under the table has to be recovered and treasured.

I encourage you to offer sympathetic comments if you feel so inclined. Contributions in the form of written articles are welcome and can be sent by e-mail (anthony DOT chadwick AT wanadoo DOT fr). Proper names and ‘identifying clues’ will be withheld so that clerics can express themselves freely.