Catholic hierarchy need to remember the core values of love and inclusion

Your article (April 3) headlined ‘Christians often suffer ridicule or persecution’ because of their beliefs on marriage, and attributed to Archbishop Eamon Martin, is only half-true.

As a faith organisation we agree with Archbishop Martin that “Christian convictions can bring upon us ridicule” but we understand why this can be so.

The track record of pronouncements by Irish Catholic Bishops has been lamentable — opposing mixed Catholic-Protestant couples, refusing Holy Communion to divorced couples, condemning the use of contraception by married couples, denying the love of same sex couples.

No wonder more and more people are so unimpressed by such unChrist-like behaviour.

We respectfully disagree with the claim by Archbishop Martin that conservative Christians are persecuted for their beliefs on marriage.

To make such a claim, especially on the eve of Good Friday, does a disservice to those Christians who are genuinely persecuted in other parts of the world.

If the Archbishop simply preached the core values of love and inclusion that inform marriage he might be surprised at the reduction in ridicule and of the persecution complex.

A growing number of ordinary people of faith are discovering this and are living in peace and harmony with their neighbours.

Dr Richard O’Leary

Faith in Marriage Equality

Apartment 20

Hanover Court

Francis St

Dublin 8