Michael KellyMichael Kelly questions whether the Government really respects religious freedom
The Government’s pretence that it cares about marriage is exposed this week with the revelation that Accord is to be starved of vital funding to prepare couples for the life-encompassing commitment that is marriage.
Enda Kenny and his ministerial colleagues have been at pains to point out that the reason they support same-sex marriage is because they believe in marriage and therefore think gay couples should also be allowed to wed. They also claim that a ‘yes’ vote will have no effect on the Church.
But the targeting of Accord funding tells another story. It’s also an ominous sign of what will happen to other Catholic organisations – including our schools – if there is a ‘yes’ vote on May 22. How can Government ministers say they are serious about marriage when a proven way of helping couples deal with the challenges of married life is to be stripped of funding?
Accord has been carrying out pre-marriage courses all over the country for decades ensuring that couples intending to get married reflect on all the implications of that and learn the vital skills to help them to stay married when things get tough and to enjoy the fruits of marriage.
There’s an element of the Catholic understanding of marriage, but as any couple who has undertaken a pre-marriage course will tell you, there is so much more.
During Accord’s marriage preparation programme couples have the opportunity to:
- Spend quality time together reflecting on their relationship and their future;
- Relax and enjoy an atmosphere that is respectful, confidential and fun;
- Meet other couples preparing for marriage.
Some of the modules covered by Accord include:
- Marriage and family of origin and self-awareness;
- Marriage and how couples communicate;
- Marriage and conflict management;
- Marriage and commitment;
- Marriage and parenthood;
- Marriage and fertility awareness and wellbeing;
- Marriage and sexuality and intimacy.
All of the evidence proves that couples who undertake serious pre-marriage preparation live much more fulfilled lives and have happier marriages.
Of course, the State will blame the slashing of Accord funding on constraints on the public finances. That’s hardly credible as Government ministers outdo one another in a fresh round of auction politics offering public sector pay increases, tax cuts and increases in public spending.
Coming as it does, with just days before the May 22 referendum, it will prove what many people have feared: that if there is a ‘yes’ vote, the Government will erode the rights of faith-based organisations to promote and teach their understanding of marriage.
It also proves that all of the talk of the Government respecting religious freedom is bogus.