Time to put a brake on homosexual rights

WHILE there have been many important issues over the years where the church and state might have differed, never was there such urgency as there is now for the Catholic Church to show its disapproval of the direction that the Government is about to take.

I refer to the issue of homosexual rights and on changing the meaning of the word ‘family’ in the Constitution.

The granting of any more rights will only lead to more promotion of homosexuality, ultimately allowing homosexuals to adopt children. This would change the meaning of the family and destroy the institution as we know it.

It would be a welcome move if all our clergy would speak out on these important issues, having re-informed themselves of the Church’s teaching.

It is too simple to talk of compassion and “let him without sin cast the first stone” in order to avoid challenging wrongdoing. Some would suggest that our bishops cannot be relied on to show disapproval of such changes.

Let’s hope it’s not true and that they, too, will find a strong voice and that we lay people will renew our commitment to support them when they speak without fear or favour at this most crucial time for our Church.

Noel Gorman

Carrick Road

Edenderry

Co Offaly