Dear Editor, Your coverage of Facebook’s short-lived attempt to censor the Iona Institute’s ‘Still one of us’ (IC16/5/2019 and 23/5/2019) has been eye-opening and alarming, not least as it should remind us of how Facebook and Google shut down pro-life advertising ahead of last year’s referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment. During that episode, readers…
The Notebook Recently I found myself doing a little research in the area of women in leadership. I come to this topic as someone who has been fortunate to know and experience some extraordinary women leaders in my own life and particularly in ministry. Any group, any society, any church which denies an equal role…
Climate issues are becoming “centre stage” but talk has to be matched with actions, Columban eco-theologian and author Fr Sean McDonagh has said. Fr McDonagh said while he was delighted by gains made by the Green Party in last week’s elections, he expressed disappointment at the party’s support for abortion. “We are turning vegetarian, [thinking]…
The streets have been plastered with posters for this week’s divorce referendum, bearing the words: “Help reduce financial distress – vote Yes” and “Help reduce emotional distress – vote Yes”. All advertising is effective, so I daresay this sells its message successfully enough. Though I found myself thinking sceptically that it might be more honest…
Vicky Wall This week, abortion campaigners are busy celebrating the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, but many people – including many ‘Yes’ voters – are instead appalled at the tragic case that has come to light from the National Maternity Hospital. I’m devastated for the parents at the centre of this horrendous abortion misdiagnosis…
The View I had the privilege of accompanying the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales to the Royal English College in Valladolid in Spain two weeks ago. It is a beautiful and fascinating place, founded after the Penal Laws and the persecution of Catholics during the 16th-Century made the training of priests in England impossible.…
Lack of past practice suggests Pope won’t make profound change, writes David Quinn Pope Francis appears to have poured cold water for the time being on the idea of women deacons, or at least of something equivalent to the male deaconate. The Pope had established a commission in 2016 to examine the issue. It…
Chai Brady speaks to Aid to the Church in Need who helped save Asia Bibi After the celebrated news that persecuted Christian Asia Bibi reached Canada this month after a decade of incarceration and death threats in Pakistan, there was a collective sigh of relief, but also an understanding that there are still many…
What would a Catholic vote look like, asks Prof. Ray Kinsella It’s election time all over Europe. In Ireland, as well as elections to the European Parliament, there are local elections. So, here’s the question. Is there – should there be – a Catholic Vote? Should Catholics, in making their decision on how to…
Elise Harris Two of the heaviest-hitting cardinals with a hand in organising the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Amazon have voiced concern about a priest shortage in the region, but shied away from offering concrete proposals for how to fix the problem such as the controversial idea of ordaining viri probati, meaning tested married…
Susan Gately
Mary Kenny
Nuala O’Loan
David Quinn
Chai Brady