Unfair rebuke to Catholic Church
The cardinal had issued a mild press statement in response to the European Court of Human Rights ruling on abortion in which he said the judgment raises “profound moral and legal issues which will require careful analysis and reflection”.
The Church should stick to “the praying” was the senator’s response. Perhaps he could clarify. Is it only Catholic bishops who should not contribute to national debate? Is it only bishops north of the border who should keep quiet? Are lay Catholics allowed to voice an opinion? Should the Catholic Church only articulate its position on issues when in agreement with Senator O’Toole? In recent months Catholic bishops and agencies have commented on the condition of Irish prisoners overseas, care for the dying, alcohol and drug abuse, the need for solidarity with the poor at a time of national crisis, the state of mental health care, and the condition of our prisons. Should it stop this too and just stick to “the praying”? Senator O’Toole suggests the church shows a lack of interest in the welfare of women. What an insult to the hundreds of lay volunteers who work with Cura, the crisis pregnancy agency of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference.
