Irish bishops see Church facing hostile environment

June 02, 2016

"At this point Ireland, through its political and media establishments, seems determined to eliminate the engagement of the Catholic Church in the public sphere," Bishop William Crean of Cloyne said.

Speaking at the ordination of new transitional deacons, Bishop Crean predicted that the young clerics would face "potential vilification and rejection." He spoke with concern about the development of "a gratuitous cynicism toward the Catholic Church."

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam conveyed a similar message when, during a Corpus Christi Mass, he observed: "The Church is no longer the dominant intellectual influence in society, can no longer count on cultural or political support, and is frequently dismissed and disregarded."

 

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Further information:

• Irish establishment figures are ‘determined to eliminate’ Catholicism from public sphere, says bishop (Catholic Herald)