US chastity roadshow rings bell with note with teens

DESPITE spiralling teenage pregnancy rates and growing rates of sexually transmitted infections, young Irish people appear more eager than ever to remain celibate until marriage.

A US roadshow promoting chastity among young people across the world has been a huge hit here, with as many as 70% of young people who attended sessions in Dublin and Belfast embracing the challenge.

As Silver Ring Thing campaigners flew back to the States recently, they left 461 youngsters, including 172 from the North and 94 from the greater Dublin area, proudly wearing silver rings. They have made a pledge to remain sexually pure until marriage.

As many as 70% of youths in Belfast signed up to the campaign, along with 63% of those attending the Dublin roadshow on July 1 and 2. In the USA, 20,000 youngsters across the country have already made the pledge.

Critics said it wouldn’t work in Ireland. Yet after a whirlwind six-city tour, hundreds of youngsters were left in no doubt that, for them, abstinence until marriage makes sense.

“Catholic Ireland definitely lived up to what was expected of young people. They were very friendly and the welcome we received at both venues was overwhelming,” a spokes- person for the group said.

The Silver Ring Thing, founded in 1995 by US pastor Denny Pattyn, specialises in encouraging young people to remain sexually pure until marriage through the use of multimedia, hi-tech sound and light shows.

Key campaigner, Shannon McDermott, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who has Irish roots, said they were touched by their experiences in Ireland.

“I spoke to a group before the Dublin show and all of them were really unsure about getting a ring and making the pledge,” she said.

“I didn’t see them again during or after the show but when our photos were developed, I saw them in the photo we take of everyone who has not only purchased a ring, but committed their lives to Christ.”