Martin seeks more Christian language on gay marriage

The Irish Church has signalled it will pursue a non-confrontational approach to the same-sex-marriage referendum campaign as both a senior bishop and the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) appealed for a “respectful and civilised debate” with less intemperate language.

In an address to the pro-traditional-marriage Iona Institute, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin warned that much of the discussion on marriage and the family ahead of the May referendum is “polemical”.

He hit out at those in the “No” camp who had written to him using language he said was “not just intemperate but obnoxious, insulting and unchristian in regard to gay and lesbian people”.

Meanwhile this week, the ACP, which represents over 1,000 Irish priests, also warned that the use of intemperate language could cause deep hurt among gay people and their families.

Appealing for a “calm and reasonable” debate on the issues, the group announced said it would not be taking a position on the referendum.