Sir, – Bethany survivors twice met with Archbishop Michael Jackson, twice more than his predecessor managed. On both occasions we discussed the church’s responsibility for the Protestant evangelical Bethany Home and its legacy. We challenged a mistaken view that what happened there – death, neglect, starvation – was not really a Church of Ireland issue. Most of the residents were Church of Ireland and many were referred by clergy, some of whom sat on the home’s managing committee. The church and its people were part of a conservative mindset in Irish society. Unwed pregnant women were shut off in religious institutions. The church at large closed its eyes to the resultant “unwanted” children. We are those children.
Archbishop Jackson listened but it seems from reaction to your report of his recent speech many are not in listening mode.
If there are stand-offish attitudes toward “polyester Protestants”, previously part of other religious traditions, or “new Irish” Protestants from abroad, than what hope for us, quintessentially illegitimate Protestants? Our experience is largely ignored in the life of the church. For example, one Bethany survivor who works voluntarily in her local church was televised at a gathering around unmarked Bethany graves. She was pleased that many local people afterwards wished her well, but “not one parishioner”. That was hurtful.
Currently, we are raising money for a memorial to 220 dead Bethany children (that we know of), to be placed over the unmarked graves in Mount Jerome cemetery. When we unveil it, we hope that clergy from the Church of Ireland and other denominations will be present. It would be nice if other church members turned up too. They would be more than welcome. If they did, we might feel legitimised.
Archbishop Jackson has not opted for the quiet life and has his work cut out. We wish him well. – Yours, etc,
DEREK LEINSTER,
Chairperson, Bethany Survivors,
Southey Road, Rugby,
Warwickshire, England.