The new liberation thinking in Theology has had an influence in organisations like Trocaire where the emphasis has changed from charity to justice. However, without the endorsement of the Irish Catholic bishops the influence of liberation theology on the practice of the Church in Ireland will remain peripheral. It is a great pity because this is the only way to bring new life to the Irish Church and appeal to the young generation of those searching for a spiritual meaning for their lives. The people who have lived in darkness could learn a lot from a new reading of the Scriptures from the viewpoint of the poor.
If the Irish Catholic hierarchy were to make an option for the poor it might be one way to bring about radical change in the political life of Ireland. Two conservative parties have been in power since the foundation of the Southern 26 county state. The division between rich and poor continues to deepen. In the North the two traditions have agreed to work together until a Border referendum is held. That should never be “off the table.’
If the Irish Catholic hierarchy were to make a preferential option for the poor and the homeless in Ireland it would show clearly how relevant Christianity is today. They could also set an example by divesting of much of the property it owns and giving to the poor -in accordance with the Gospel.
This is the only way forward for the Catholic Church in Ireland. It is the only way that the Christian faith will become interesting and relevant for the present generation and for the generations to come. This opportunity should not be missed while there are still some in the Church ready and willing to make it happen -if only they were encouraged by the Church leaders.
I believe the young people of Ireland have the courage and the enthusiasm to pursue a liberation model of Church that will continue to spread the Good news – that Jesus the Christ is the Liberator. As Saint Paul wrote to the disciples in Ephesus: “In him and under him God wanted to unite, when the fullness of time had come, everything in heaven and everything on earth.”(Ephesians 1:10)
well said Joe!
What would a “preferential option for the poor” within the Catholic church mean in the era of the modern welfare state and in an increasingly secular society? It is now 84 years since the Beveridge Report was published, resulting in social security, public health, national health and free education for all. The lives of everyone in Northern Ireland have been completely transformed, compared to our grandparents’ generation when the report was written. (Ironically some Catholic priests condemned Beveridge from the pulpit for introducing ‘Socialism’.)
Of course there is still inequality across society and vulnerable people like immigrants and drug addicts fall through the cracks of the welfare state. The Catholic Church and other people with religious faith may see this as an area where they should be working, helping people on the margins of society. Certainly, the Catholic Church and other groups should do much more in ending the deep levels of segregation that exist in Northern Ireland, especially in areas like primary education and social housing. Could the Catholic Church and other religious and societal groups be instrumental in removing all the so-called ‘peace walls’ in Northern Ireland by 2030?
It must also be recognised that the Catholic Church is becoming much less relevant in the lives of people on both sides of the Irish border. The number of Catholic baptisms on the island has decreased by 30% in the last decade. In the Dublin area the drop is 40%, but there were also significant falls in the northern dioceses that include Belfast and Derry. In the Republic of Ireland, the vast majority of weddings are now non-religious or humanist. The percentage of weddings that took place in a Catholic church is 29.8%, but that figure is set to fall further.
As a Catholic I believe salvation lies within the Church. The Sacraments, especially the Mass are everything. The Church has survived two thousand years, if numbers drop off it will still remain until the end of time.
Eugene,
The modern welfare state is not the panacea that you seem to think it is. Ask anybody working as volunteers in St Vincent de Paul in any parish in Ireland and you will soon find out the extent of poverty in most parishes in Ireland. Last year, in my own parish, for example the St VdePaul gave out £24,000 for food vouchers, £10,000 for Christmas vouchers, £23, 000 for heating oil, £6000 for white goods and £6000 for furniture.
Last year, the St VdeP in our parish received 1,100 requests for help and the figures so far this year show an increase. Most of these are native people who find the cost of living very difficult and are forced to seek help. The Welfare State is not much good to these poor people living on the breadline.
As for your point about the decreasing numbers in the Catholic Church I believe there will always be a remnant of faithful disciples who will put their trust in God and in Jesus and find strength in the Eucharist and the other sacraments.