Church should abandon its quest to halt liberal legislative reform

Dear Editor, I disagree with David Quinn’s contention in your April 9 edition that the stakes in the coming marriage referendum could hardly be higher.

I do not believe that it marks a “militant” development in social liberalism if we are expected to move beyond “mere tolerance” of one another’s lifestyle choices. I, as a Roman Catholic, expect more than mere tolerance from other non-Catholic or non-religious members of society. I expect acceptance and respect. Should I set a lower standard for myself than I expect from others?

The predicted anomalies and unconventional non-nuclear families that are likely to emerge from the forthcoming referendum to a large extent already exist. It is a big stretch to claim that the marginal increase in “unconventional” families that might be caused by upcoming legislation will be matched by an increase in unhappiness or distress amongst Ireland’s children, yet this seems to be the implication from much of the No side’s argument.

If we really wanted to maximise the chances of true happiness and joy for future generations of Irish children I believe the Church in Ireland should virtually abandon its quest to halt liberal legislative reform. Not only that, we need to be less legalistic in welcoming people into our churches. Every church in Ireland should open its doors and call out to every gay/divorced/separated person and urge them to join the rest of us in our half empty churches on Sunday mornings.

If the Church were a lot less legalistic, judgemental and unforgiving, (in direct contravention of Our Lord’s explicit teachings), we would be a lot less inimical to the vast majority of young people who tragically see no place for themselves in the Irish Church.

Yours etc.,

James Reeves,

Athy,

Co. Kildare.