No rationale in decision on collections

Dear sir - The regulations regarding Catholic church gate collections are irrational and the reasons given for the changes just don't hold up to scrutiny. Had the authorities bothered to check out with the men and women on the ground - the actual collectors themselves - maybe a different conclusion would result. Why will the Church authorities not be honest and come out straight and say that they do not wish to have church gate collections at all? It is as simple as that. They don't want any collections other than their those held within the Church and those directly benefiting a particular church. I have been collecting for different charities for several years and not once has anyone told me I was harassing them with collection boxes as they tried to enter the church. No collector, as far as I am aware, ever compelled or demanded money from any of the parishioners going into church! The act is completely voluntary on both sides. It is not an easy task to stand outside a church gate in hail, rain or snow at times, and on top of that, to be made feel like an outcast or a leper. If there is any harrassment, it comes from the side of the clergy who are constantly sniping at church gate collections. Sadly, when it suits themselves, and the parish funds, they allow the House of God to become a money making venture with 'one stop weddings' and 'a la carte' Catholics from here, there and everywhere using the churches for a variety of reasons. Talk about building up communities and encouraging the youth to return after Confirmation! It is about time that the official Church started to exorcize their demons within, instead of demonising the exorcists outside! There is a sean fhocal that runs something like: "Ait a mbionn bean bionn caint, ait a mbionn sagart bionn saint." May I conclude in saying: "He that has ears to hear, let him hear." Yours, Gerry Thompson, Fernslock, Summerhill.