Sir, - I was aghast at the audacity of the Church of Ireland Gazette editorial on December 11th which commented upon the Taoiseach and his partner, Ms Celia
Larkin. Not only was it an unforgivable intrusion into the Taoiseach's private life, it was also an insult to all divorced and separated people.
It did nothing to help those of us who are trying to minister to people whose relationships with their partners have broken down and to those who have been able to find happiness in second relationships. The Church has a duty to uphold the place of marriage in our society but it must show compassion to those who cannot live up to the ideal for whatever reason.
In a pluralist society, the Taoiseach has every right to nominate any person as his partner, as long as that person is an Irish citizen of good character. It should matter not whether they are black or white, male or female, rich or poor, divorced, married or single, Protestant or Roman Catholic.
Our nation is made up of a rich network of individuals and minority groups. Is it not appropriate that, in the choice of his official partner, the Taoiseach recognises that? There are many sincere members of the Church of Ireland who are separated or divorced.
The office of Taoiseach is not a position which should be used to influence personal lifestyle choices among citizens. As long as the Taoiseach and his associates abide by the law, that is all that matters. Personal moral guidance is a matter for the churches but it should be carried out in a way which is not publicly humiliating or condemnatory of any individual.
As to the Roman Catholic Church not speaking out on this issue, I have just finished reading articles in Studies magazine about the days of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, when government ministers could be called to account by the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Although there are right-wing Roman Catholics who might like to go back to those days, the vast majority of Irish citizens have no desire to do so. I would surmise that the days when archbishops could crack skulls with their croziers, are gone, thank God.
I call upon the editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette to resign, in recognition of his lack of sensitivity and judgment on this issue. I would like also a public apology to the Taoiseach from a Church of Ireland bishop and a clear statement to make clear that the views of the editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette are his own and not those of the Church of Ireland. - Yours, etc., David Frazer (Revd),
Sallins, Co Kildare.