Madam, – The Catholic Church’s authority and credibility have been seriously undermined by recent abuse scandals, and it has rightly been condemned for its abuse if its power.
Having recently read about 50 essays by degree students in social care who were asked to give a sociological account of their community, a different picture of the church emerges.
Many of these 20-year-olds, from diverse geographical and social backgrounds, described their local Catholic Church (and other churches in their locality) as a community hub that fosters a strong sense of cohesion for people from all age groups and diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
While not wishing to minimise the serious shortcomings in the Irish Catholic Church, or to dismiss the evidence of changing religious practice, the scenarios presented by these young people bode well for the future of the church.
They gave examples of church groups and parish initiatives aimed at welcoming immigrants and providing support to marginalised groups.
It appears that the churches in Ireland continue to express and promote a strong Christian value base, and, from the perspective of these young people, their local church enhances the quality of life in their communities. – Yours, etc,