Open dialogue would help build stronger church

I WRITE in relation to Fr Tom Ingoldsby’s letter (June 23).

Father, you ask the question: “Could any sincere Catholic/Christian support the Civil Partnership Bill in any way?”

As a Roman Catholic, my only answer can be a hearty yes. The Vatican’s 2003 statement regarding Proposals To Give Legal Recognition To Unions Between Homosexual Persons identifies three key elements of marriage, namely complementarity, communion and fruitfulness. There are many same-sex couples who embody these elements in Ireland. I myself aspire to find a partner with whom I can make a lifelong commitment. I find it painful to bear witness to those in positions of spiritual authority speaking out in a way which makes it exceedingly difficult for young, homosexual Catholics to live openly and authentically in Ireland.

I respect the catechism on this issue, of course, but I find your approach of representing the Church’s position rather alienating. I would like to posit that it might do no harm for the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland to engage in respectful dialogue with lay Catholics (and, if possible, with other Christians) about these concerns. Such engagement would highlight the Church’s history of hospitality – actively demonstrating that the faithful need not feel alienated because they find Church teachings to be unpalatable. Going forward, a commitment to respectful dialogue could serve as a catalyst for building a stronger, more diverse, church.

John Delap

Co-Chair

Student Christian Movement Ireland

25 Niall Street

Stoneybatter

Dublin 7