We need the wisdom of women, and the experience of married people and parents, and the depth of the contemplative if we are to be formed as preachers.

To be a preacher requires two apparently contradictory qualities: confidence and humility.

Celibacy is not just a matter of not having sex. It is a way of admiring a person for their humanity, maybe even for their beauty.

We need the wisdom of women, and the experience of married people and parents, and the depth of the contemplative if we are to be formed as preachers.

Claiming that you have got the truth wrapped up does breed violence and intolerance.

The trouble is that after nine years as a Jack of all trades and Master of the Dominican Order, I have no expertise on anything except airports and exotic foods.

Any deep-rooted prejudice against others, such as homophobia or misogyny, would be grounds for rejecting a candidate for the priesthood, but not their sexual orientation.