Madam, - It is out of a sense of disgust that I feel compelled to write this letter. The cause of this sentiment is the recent wedding of the convicted IRA killer Pearse McCauley and Sinn Féin councillor Pauline Tully, and more specifically an image that appeared in the print media at the weekend. It shows the happy couple signing the register, flanked on one side by a smiling Mgr Patrick McManus, on the other by a photograph of the Pope; and over the bride's head what appears to be the diocesan crest.
While we are not privy to Mgr McManus's motivation in facilitating this event, there can be no mistaking the message that this image communicates. Whether intentionally or otherwise, it shows the Church in solidarity with a couple on their wedding day; not just any couple though, for the groom in this case was complicit in the cold-blooded killing of a member of the Garda, depriving another woman of her husband and five children of their father.
To my knowledge this same man has never expressed any remorse or asked forgiveness of the wife and children of Garda Jerry McCabe, and one could well ask why the Church should prostitute itself for such an individual.
This is how I perceive this image and I would imagine that this is how many others will perceive it too. No doubt it will do wonders for cross-community understanding north of the Border!
As priests and people of the Church, whatever denomination, we need to be aware that such images can never be considered morally neutral. I say this as a priest of the Church of Ireland, a church which has still not grasped the nettle of Drumcree. On an annual basis clergy of my church are to be seen marching with and standing alongside an organisation which is of its very nature sectarian, no matter how much its members protest otherwise.
The principal calling of the Church in the world is one of healing and reconciliation. Neither of these is served when the Church compromises its vocation by selling its soul. Christian witness is about aspiring towards the highest standard possible, not settling for the lowest common denominator. - Yours, etc.,
Rev STEPHEN NEILL,
Cloughjordan,
Co Tipperary.
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Madam, In the light of the outrageous events of the past few days I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of Garda Jerry McCabe. I cannot imagine how they might be feeling at this point.
I can only sit in disbelief and wonder how we can claim to have a just society when a man convicted of manslaughter can be released in order to attend a stag party, get married and celebrate for a weekend. Bertie and Co., what where you thinking? - Yours, etc.,
S. O'CONNOR,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.