New Ireland: Freedom From Religion
NEW IRELAND: FREEDOM FROM RELIGION The past few years have seen a new Ireland emerge. Two referenda and one papal visit have all been revealing. "Ireland has shown it’s face." 1 What has emerged is a strong desire to be free from the past shame and suffering caused by religion and to move on. TD Kate O Connell strikingly claimed, “Ireland’s most Catholic times were it’s least Christian” She spoke strongly of women and children suffering under those in power wielding authority. 2 When Pope Francis was welcomed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar he was reminded of Ireland’s past. “In place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgement, severity and cruelty, in particular, towards women and children and those on the margins.” 3 A country known for being Christian had been shown to be anything but. The past weighs heavily. No wonder there is the desire to move on. A desire which not only showed itsel