The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin has said that, while the abuse scandals in church would never be forgotten, he hoped next year’s Eucharistic Congress would represent an opportunity for renewal and reform.
Speaking during the Black Santa charity appeal yesterday, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said: “The church has to reform itself, to renew itself, and I think with the Eucharistic Congress coming that will be one example of how we can do that.”
He admitted that it had been a “tough year” for the church but said yesterday that he was hopeful for the future.
“Every year will get tougher in some ways. Things are changing but you have to be optimistic. I feel that next year we’ll be able to move forward,” he said.
He was emphatic the church could regain its standing, adding he “wouldn’t be doing this” if he didn’t believe that.
However, he said it was up to the church to go out and earn people’s respect.