Lack of compassion in comments on same-sex couples

Dear Editor, The year 2015, with the referendum for same-sex marriage, for good or bad, has marked a key turning point in the history of Ireland. As a Christian, I confess that on a number of occasions over the course of the referendum, and since, I have been both deeply shocked and saddened by some of the comments made against same-sex couples. Many have rushed to judgement, with little consideration or compassion in how they have expressed their personal disapproval of same-sex unions.

It is not my intention here to make a case for or against the morality of such relationships, or to alter anyone’s opinions thereof. Here I merely wish to call upon all to remember the example set by Jesus. At a number of times during the most heated debates surrounding the referendum, I found myself being put in mind of John 8:1-11; the woman caught in adultery. 

The thought entered my mind that were Jesus conducting his ministry today in 2015, the Pharisees and the Scribes might well have brought a gay man or woman before him, in their vain attempt to test him. I have no doubt that his response would have been the same, those immortal words which have echoed down the centuries to us; “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” .

Yours etc.,

William Allen,

Cork,

Co. Cork.