It is something we need to use respectfully, wisely and well. Without these safeguards we leave the floodgates open to all kinds of misuse and malpractice.

It's a bit like having a pet lion in your backyard, and deciding to release it into the neighbourhood! The consequences don't bear description.

We have a judicial system to attend to breaches of the law, using access to accurate and well investigated information.

Breaches of contract, overlooking of people's rights and responsibilities and such matters need to be dealt with by due process ensuring that justice, honesty and integrity are maintained.

More often than not, voicing personal opinions in the public domain is less than helpful.

The Israel Folau saga is becoming more and more involved, with its religious basis still open to dispute.

The Bible states quite categorically - "Judge not, and you will not be judged." As far as going to hell is concerned, only God can make that decision.

The Catholic Church has for centuries taught that we need to commit a mortal sin to go to hell. A mortal sin requires "grave matter, full knowledge and full consent."

Believe me, it is no mean task to line all three of these up at the same time! I suspect that other Christian traditions have something similar in their doctrine, though I don't know for sure. For as long as I can remember, Trade Unions have been part of our industrial makeup.

When used wisely and well they give a voice to the voiceless and ensure that justice and workers rights are upheld.

With the publicity lately regarding the outspoken remarks and behaviour of the current leader, John Setka, the whole Union existence seems to be coming under scrutiny.

All workers need a reliable avenue through which to have their issues dealt with.

Someone once wisely said, you can only do what you can with what you've got at any given time.

The underlying presumption of this would have to be the inclusion of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and my favourite virtue - commonsense.

Our Sisters of Mercy Foundress, Catherine McAuley is quoted as often reminding her Sisters of "this rarest of virtues".

There is a time for everything under heaven - a time to speak and a time to remain silent. A favourite quotation of mine printed on a bookmark comes from Pastor Niemoller who lived in Germany during WW2.

"They first came for the Communists. I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews. I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me. By that time there was no one left to speak up."

This highlights for me the need for fully informed, non judgmental, well chosen and respectful communication especially in the media.

Jesus spoke of treating our neighbour as we would like others to treat us.

In reading Paul's letter to the Galatians the other day I read - "If you go snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community". Gal. 5: 15. How appropriate!