Irish Church at pastoral watershed after referendum

The Primate of All Ireland has admitted that many Catholics in Ireland voted in favour of same-sex marriage in last month’s referendum as a way of showing tolerance to gay people.

The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, reflected on the implications of the referendum result at a Mass in Knock last Sunday. He highlighted lessons for the Church after 62 per cent  of voters said “yes” to Government proposals to legalise gay marriage.

In his homily for the annual Armagh diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine, the archbishop said it was good that discussions ahead of the referendum had helped the people to become more aware of the alienation and isolation often experienced by gay people.

“It is clear from the reaction to the referendum result that many people voted in favour of the amendment believing it to be a way of showing tolerance and respect towards gay people, including family members and friends,” he said, in a view echoed by the Bishops of Elphin and Limerick.

Archbishop Martin indicated that one of the lessons for the Church was the need to re-commit itself to the pastoral care of anyone in society who experiences victimisation and stigmatisation.

However, his comments contrasted with those of the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who described the passing of the referendum as “a defeat for humanity”, while Cardinal Raymond Burke said Ireland had gone further than paganism and “defied God” by legalising gay marriage.

Within the Irish Church there appears to be a growing realisation that this is a watershed moment. Responding to Cardinal Burke’s remarks the Archbishop Martin said: “I wouldn’t use that language.”

Separately, a Dublin parish priest has described the referendum vote as a “wake-up call” for the Church saying it needs to have a discussion about the way gay people and those who are divorced or separated are treated.