Shorter version of Pastoral Letter

to be read out at Masses at the weekend 9/10 May, 2015

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In a few weeks, we will be voting on a proposed major shift in the Constitution of Ireland, one that will have many implications for the role of marriage and family. In its statement, the Bishops’ Conference, of which I am a member, has indicated it cannot support this amendment to the Constitution which redefines marriage.

It is a time of intense debate. In some instances so intense that many are choosing not to engage. Convictions on both sides are deeply and passionately held.

Those drawn to a “yes” vote speak of equality. Their convictions arise out of personal experience or because they know a family member or friend who is in a homosexual relationship. They feel a genuine compassion for people who are homosexual because they know the pain that homophobia can cause. They are rightly moved by reports of teenagers who struggle with sexual identity and have been bullied. Hearing about past experiences in society that inflicted injury on persons with a homosexual orientation, they sense that it is time to rebalance the scales of justice.

Those unable to support a “yes” vote also include some people who themselves are homosexual and others who know a family member or friend who is in a homosexual relationship whom they cherish and love. For my own part, from listening to their experience, I recognise the importance of greater sensitivity to people with a homosexual orientation and the banishing of any homophobic attitudes.

I want to see a supporting environment built for everyone in our society. But my and others’ concern on the ‘no’ side of this debate, has to do with how the proposed redefinition of marriage will impact on society as a whole, on family life that is already challenged, and in particular on children who have a right, except when this is not possible, to be raised by a mother and father.

It is not easy to dialogue about these issues. But as the final days wind down to the referendum, let’s try all of us to remain respectful of each other’s view, listening to one another and, no matter what the outcome, be committed to building up a society that is good for families to be brought up in.

Marriage as an institution is under enormous pressure in the Western world. The forthcoming Referendum is a call to Christians to rediscover the deep foundations of marriage based on the union of a man and a woman who are created to complement each other and, where possible, bring new life into the world.

As I said above, in its statement, the Bishops’ Conference has indicated it cannot support this amendment to the Constitution redefining marriage. We have pointed to our concern that should the amendment be passed, it will become increasingly difficult to speak any longer in public about marriage as being between a man and a woman. We also ask, “what will we be expected to teach children in school about marriage?  Will those who sincerely continue to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman be forced to act against their conscience?”

By way of assisting your reading of the Bishops’ Statement, I am offering some reflection points. I do so respectful of the opinions of others, and as a contribution to consideration of what is best for the good of society. I would ask you to take the leaflet home with you, read it carefully, share it with others and talk about it. The issue is of major significance for our society.

In offering these reflections I would also like to recall that the Church teaches that persons with a homosexual inclination “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity”.

I invite all people of faith to pray about their decision in the forthcoming Referendum. I also ask that we pray, especially during May, for marriage and the family. It is important to reflect deeply before deciding on an amendment which, if passed, would be a major change in our Constitution and our society. Indeed, Ireland would become the only jurisdiction in the world providing explicitly for same-sex marriage in its Constitution.

With kind regards,

In the Risen Christ,

Bishop Brendan Leahy,

Bishop of Limerick.