Bishops clear air on Yes vote to Lisbon

CATHOLIC bishops have told their flock they are free to vote Yes to Lisbon without reserve and in good conscience.

They said there is nothing in the treaty to justify a No vote for religious or ethical reasons.

Bishop of Down Noel Treanor, who represents his colleagues on the European conference of bishops, said the treaty will improve the status of religious communities within the EU.

And he said he regretted that anti-Lisbon literature claiming the treaty would bring in abortion andeuthanasia had “crossed the threshold” of churches and was available for distribution to parishioners.

This campaign, like last year’s version, has been sidetracked by debates on abortion and euthanasia.

Dr Treanor said it was unfortunate many people “with golden hearts” were being misled by false claims.

“I state unequivocally that a Catholic can, without reserve and in good conscience, vote Yes for the Lisbon Treaty. There are no grounds to justify a No vote in the Lisbon Treaty on the basis of specifically religious or ethical concerns.”

Dr Treanor addressed the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs yesterday.

He said the treaty does not affect the national position on abortion and that groups or articles claiming it did were not representing the church’s hierarchy.

“Unfortunately, there is evidence that there are a number of publications and organisations who are intent on again influencing the outcome of the forthcoming referendum by introducing misleading and inaccurate information.

“This includes suggesting, for example, that the Lisbon Treaty would undermine existing legal protections in Ireland for unborn children.

“Is important to point out that no organisation actively lobbying either print or other media speaks on behalf of the Catholic Church,” he said.

Dr Treanor was speaking ahead of a Bishops’ Conference meeting in which Lisbon was discussed.

A number of members of the Oireachtas committee took exception to advertisements in Alive magazine and in other pamphlets which suggested the treaty would threaten ethical issues.

Senator Terry Leydon said the Alive publication should carry Dr Treanor’s speech in full to counteract the anti-Lisbon advertisements placed in previous editions.

He challenged Alive to correct misinformation.

Fine Gael’s spokeswoman on Europe Lucinda Creighton said she welcomed the bishop’s contribution and his contention the Treaty would improve the standing of religious congregations in the EU.

Dr Treanor said the rejection of Lisbon may jeopardise important victories won by religious leaders to formalise their relationships with the EU. However, he said the responsibility for promoting and probing European issues remained that of national politicians and not the Church.