Dear Editor, Breda O’Brien and Greg Daly’s articles on Pope Francis’ ruling that henceforth Catholics should regard the death penalty as ‘inadmissible’ (IC 9/8/2018) show just how natural a development this is in Catholic teaching, and show too how absurd it is that a handful of vociferous Catholics are complaining about this. Absurd? What other…

Dear Editor, Greg Daly’s analysis piece, (IC 26/07/18) on the proposed referendum to remove the Constitution’s provision on blasphemy, and the associated Defamation Act 2009, was a timely reminder that it works, is important, and is a model for other countries. The purpose of the Constitution is to outline the standards we aspire to live…

Dear Editor, I’ve been very interested in the extensive coverage of the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of Humanae Vitae reiterating the Church’s ban on artificial methods of birth control. At the same time, I see that the US-based organisation that styles itself ‘Catholic for Conscience’ carried out a survey in Ireland which found that…

Dear Editor, I read the article by Matthew Carlson, ‘Listen to what gay people have to say, WMOF speaker urges’ (IC 05/07/18), and the supporting letter by Louise Clarke (IC 12/07/2018). Gay people are described as being on the margins and must be shown mercy, compassion and welcome. They have felt distanced from the Church…

Dear Editor, With the World Cup coming to an end on Sunday, it really struck me during the celebrations the sense of unity that football was able to create. Throughout the world, people of different nationalities, creeds and perspectives came together for a common cause and hope. They supported their own teams, but they, like…

Dear Editor, I was glad to read in your paper Fr James Martin’s words of advice on how to welcome gay people into our church communities (IC 5/7/2018). His direction that we should genuinely listen to gay people is, sadly, the sort of thing that’s too often dismissed by those who would much rather talk…

Dear Editor, The national airwaves and dailies have been full of late with references to how, fresh from her victory in the abortion referendum, Minister Josepha Madigan led a Communion service for those gathered for Mass. One aspect of this we must surely grapple with honestly is whether people who flout Church teaching should be…

Dear Editor, Oh! To be a minority! This seems to be the cry of many Catholics since the referendum in relation to the Church pulling back from education. They could then prioritise Faith formation in the remaining schools the respondents opined. This echoes what Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has been saying for some time. It highlights…

Dear Editor, Martin O’Brien’s investigation into the Pope’s decision not to visit Northern Ireland this year (‘No Pope here?’ IC 14/6/2018) invites serious questions about links between our local Church and the Vatican. The Pope’s decision not to visit the North has, understandably, caused dismay and continues to cause confusion across both Northern communities, and…

Dear Editor, 72% of online respondents to the recent The Irish Catholic poll said ‘Yes’ when asked if the church should step back, divest schools and prioritise Faith formation. But will we listen to this awakened majority? All our internalising of hostile media-shaming has led to an unhealthy loss of connection by Catholics with our…