and the role of women in the church must be discussed with Catholic lay people. He often expressed support for the ordination of married men. His early resignation, at age 70, as auxiliary bishop of Canberra and Goulburn was effective from 7 June 2012. He stated that the Vatican's "inability to listen" and the problems of clergy sex abuse and the shortage of priests are the "most vexing issues" facing the church. External links Australian Catholic Directory References 1942 births Living people Australian people of Irish descent People from New South Wales Roman Catholic archbishops of Canberra and Goulburn 20th-century Roman Catholic bishops in Australia 21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in Australia 20th-century Roman Catholic titular bishops