Month: April 2015
Courtney McGrailThe Church is apostolic
Cathal BarryThe apostles gave their successors the duty of completing their work, writes Cathal Barry
Resurrection always eventually trumps crucifixion
Fr Ronald RolheiserSomething there is that needs a crucifixion. Everything that’s good eventually gets scapegoated and crucified. How? By that curious, perverse dictate somehow innate within human life that assures that there’s always someone or something that cannot leave well enough alone, but, for reasons of its own, must hunt down and lash out at what’s good.…
Business owners should be able to follow conscience
Dear Editor, The Tanaiste, Joan Burton, said there will be legislation to ensure that same-sex couples are not denied goods and services by businesses. No doubt she was referring to Ashers Bakeries in Belfast, a well-known Christian business. Ashers were asked to make a wedding cake bearing the slogan Support Gay Marriage. They refused on…
Objection to perceived party politics
Dear Editor, I wish to express my dismay at the inclusion in your issue of March 19 of yet another article by Lucinda Creighton, this one the most unashamedly party political so far. I think your readers are entitled to know just what political agenda The Irish Catholic is pursuing. Your otherwise excellent paper constantly…
Feast of Annunciation is neglected
Dear Editor, Congratulations to Mary Kenny on her thoughtful piece on the Annunciation (IC 26/03/2015). It is a cause for concern that the feast day is so much neglected and the fact that it is often confused with the Immaculate Conception shows a lack of knowledge of the Catholic faith. Yours etc., Colm de Barra,…
Bakeries entitled to refuse political slogans
Dear Editor, Changing any law, or Constitution, or State policy, like an election, means an open political debate – no matter what the content – any firm or citizen may freely choose to fund or ignore or aid or oppose any proposal or candidate. So how can any bakery firm be conscripted to provide a…
State cannot decide meaning of words
Dear Editor, The point I wish to raise about same-sex marriage is not new, but I think, perhaps, it has not been given sufficient consideration. I refer to the importance of language and the use of words. I believe, (like most others I’m sure), that everyone has a right to equal respect, care, and compassion.…
Obama’s motives are questionable
Dear Editor, John Mangan (IC, Letters, 19/03/2015) defends Barack Obama, citing his policies and laws towards the poor and the underprivileged, particularly in the arena of healthcare and immigration. I can’t guess Mr Obama’s intentions, but it’s important to draw the distinction between the free exercise of charity and government mandated socialist policy. The motivations…
Surprised ACP neutral on same-sex marriage
Dear Editor, I am somewhat surprised that the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), have come out as neutral in the forthcoming Marriage Equality Referendum. Given that the ACP consistently proposes altering Catholic moral teaching, I am somewhat surprised at the tone of its decision to stay neutral i.e. after a survey of its members it’s…