Society must not neglect poor during downturn, warn bishops

SOCIETY must not neglect its poor and weaker members just because there is a recession, the Irish Catholic Bishops said.

In a statement after their annual winter general meeting in Maynooth, they acknowledged the impact of the global financial crisis was being strongly felt in Ireland but said: “Finding hope and light in this time of fear and insecurity is possible.”

“The current crisis presents an opportunity to reassess our values and priorities focusing, in particular, on our responsibilities to our fellow human beings and to God’s creation,” they said.

“Our response to the challenge presented by the downturn in our economy should be founded on the values of Christian solidarity and respect for the dignity of all human beings.

“Above all, we should be committed to the protection of the most vulnerable, both here in Ireland and throughout the world. Solidarity with the most vulnerable demands that we moderate our own expectations of what we can take from this Earth.”

The state of the world economy and its implications for Christian values was part of a wide-ranging agenda discussed behind closed doors at the two-day meeting, which also addressed the Civil Partnership Bill that will allow legally recognised civil partnerships between same-sex couples.

The statement said: “Bishops highlighted the benefits which derive from marriage between a man and woman as the fundamental unit of society. Bishops are examining the bill in detail and its implications for marriage and society.”

On the north, the bishops welcomed the announcement that meetings of the Northern Ireland executive would recommence after the recent impasse over policing and justice powers.

However, they said efforts to maintain progress would have to continue.

“During these times of difficulty, politicians should continue to show generosity, mutual understanding and commitment to progress,” they said.

Plans were also progressed for the hosting of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 2012, when thousands of church leaders and pilgrims are expected to arrive for a week of talks, religious ceremonies and cultural events in the capital and throughout the country.