Church’s stance on amendment - In need of guidance

THE head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has given the strongest indication yet that the hierarchy may order dioceses to cease facilitating civil wedding ceremonies if this month’s referendum on marriage equality is carried.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said that if civil marriage was redefined the Church would have to consider the implications.

More than 70% of marriages in Ireland are celebrated in church, with both the civil and religious elements taking place within the same ceremony, unlike what pertains in most European countries, where they are entirely separate.