DEBATE IN Ireland and Europe generally on the role of faith communities in society has been described as "encouraging" by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill.
"Many a nation in one way or another pays lip service to the Almighty, but at the very same time manages to squeeze any of the consequences of this into a religious ghetto. It is surely encouraging that a debate is taking place within Europe, and indeed on this island, as to the role of faith communities."
But "it would be very sad if the issues faced are merely those relating to the self-interest, or even the particular interests and identity, of those same faith communities," he said in an Easter sermon at Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral during the 11am Holy Communion service there yesterday.
He also said that "many of the casualties of our modern society - casualties often represented by addiction, alienation and suicide - can be the direct result of the failure of all of us to take seriously the implications for living in this world - God's world - with the values that God has shown to us.
"We wring our hands in horror at the appalling murder of two young men from eastern Europe on the streets of the suburbs of this city - and so we should. But have we even begun to wrestle with the breakdown in values, the shattering of community values and family values that underlie so much of the violence in our midst?"
He said: "Jesus was raised. In this mighty event, the way of Jesus was vindicated. There are so many examples of the challenges that he issued to the society of his own day which remain a challenge to the world that we live in today.
"I mention but a few examples of these concerns that Jesus highlighted - he challenged the abuse of power, he emphasised the needs of the weak, the sick and the poor. Jesus placed a special value on children and their protection. He questioned value systems based on strength and success - and pointed to the meek and humble and lowly."
The Easter message of the resurrection was "all too easily relegated to the religious sphere and kept there as a comfort for those who are part of the community of faith",
It was "far more than this", he said.
