James McCormick: Do Church leaders speak for us or should they listen more?

But his other claim – that when Cardinal O'Brien speaks, the people listen – is worth attention, too. Other politicians and the media listen. But what about ordinary Catholics? Do we still look to the Church hierarchy for leadership when it comes to politics?

Cardinal O'Brien believes Pope Benedict might "give Labour hell" for failing to support the family. There are good reasons why a rebuke to Labour could be justified: Iraq; the failure to reduce the tax burden on the low-paid; caving in to the US government in the case of Pentagon hacker Gary McKinnon and its intolerance of dissent.

And there are issues of faith in the public sphere that cause genuine concern to Christians, such as the creeping loss of what Christmas truly means and employees being hounded for wearing a cross. But an assault on family values? As an involved Catholic – and floating voter – I think this charge misses the spot.

First, many of the issues which concern the Church (such as rights for gay couples, abortion, embryology) are decided at Westminster. Railing against Iain Gray, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, won't get us very far.

Second, these matters are usually decided by a free vote. Of course, there have been failed attempts to whip MPs to vote with the government. Shameful, but New Labour is not the first party with an authoritarian streak.

Third, all of this ignores good things to help families, such as greater parental leave and tax credits for low-income families. Supporting families involves their social and economic fortunes as well as their spiritual wellbeing.

Then there is my Church's inexplicable obsession with homosexuality. It is little wonder opponents can portray us as bigots from the Middle Ages. I have yet to work out how my right to follow my faith is undermined by gay people having the same rights in law.

I'm worried that Church leaders are falling out of touch with the grassroots. I can't be sure, because there are so few outlets for open debate. But my sense is many Catholics yearn for a time when our Church will have more to say about poverty, climate change and employment rights, standing alongside people of other faiths and none in addressing common causes. I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing we had the same degree of lay involvement in decision-making and campaigning vigour as other churches.

I can't be the only Catholic who supports a pragmatic approach to contraception in developing countries, especially where HIV-Aids is prevalent. Nor can I be the only one who believes Ireland is at least as deserving of a Papal visit this autumn – where the Pope could start a process of truth and reconciliation after decades of abuse and instruct the Vatican's man in Ireland to co-operate.

Closer to home, the faithful of my own parish might feel more enthused about the Archdiocese of Glasgow if our church were restored more than four years after being damaged by fire.

All of this over-shadows good work being achieved locally. Inter-faith groups promote awareness of diversity; support for asylum seekers is given when the state is found wanting; and the Pro-Life Initiative established by Cardinal Winning offers practical and emotional support to vulnerable women who decide to go ahead with their pregnancy, offering a choice they might otherwise lack.

In the end, it is not just politicians but Catholic leaders who could do some listening. They will find many capable adults in their flock keen to debate better ways to turn the radical message of Jesus into action. And willing to wait a while longer before deciding how to cast their vote this year.