Cardinal critical of EU’s ‘religion deficit’
The Catholic Primate of Ireland strongly criticised European policies, which he said undermined the institute of marriage and the right to life, making it more difficult for Christians to support the European project.
In a speech to the Humbert Summer School in Mayo, Dr Brady said: “As the recent referendum on the Lisbon treaty in Ireland suggests, at least some of those who were previously enthusiastic about the founding aims of the EU, both social and economic are now expressing unease.”
He quoted Pope John Paul II to refer to the “loss of Christian memory” in European institutions and policy.
“Decisions which have undermined the family based on marriage, the right to life from the moment of conception to natural death, the sacredness of the Sabbath, the right of Christian institutions to maintain and promote their ethos, including schools, these and other decisions have made it more difficult for committed Christians to maintain their instinctive commitment to the European project,” said Dr Brady.
He praised politicians in the United States where, he said, “it was quite natural to expect the US presidential candidates to answer direct questions about their commitment to faith, their willingness to support faith-based organisations”.
However, Dr Brady praised the EU for helping to bring about Ireland’s economic success and peace in the north.
“This should give us pause for thought when we reflect on Ireland’s place within the EU,” he said.
Dr Brady said the peace process is “still a process” and made a direct appeal to those responsible for the Omagh bombing.
“Give yourselves up to justice in this world before you face judgment in the next,” he said.
