Seanad debates

Tuesday, 15 November 2005

Ferns Report: Statements (Resumed).

 

4:00 pm

Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Exactly. Only yesterday I was discussing this matter with the Church of Ireland rector in Nenagh. I am not a theologian and as a lay person I could read up about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin and so on. However, it is time for the church to look at itself and say that the repression of sexuality arising out of a decision taken somewhere that women would be excluded from decision making, power and so on has created a context for the abuse, the suppression of sexuality and its expression in such a warped — somebody used the word "evil" but I would not go that far — and destructive way. That needs to be cleansed from the heart of the church for it to move forward. Speaking as a lay person, the church should take on board the fact nothing should stand in the way of women becoming priests. When one looks at the contribution women could make alongside their male colleagues, it makes sense.

I have cousins who are priests and had an uncle who was a priest but who is now deceased. We all know priests, including young priests, and of the lonely life they are forced to lead because of this celibacy rule whereby they are not allowed to have intimate, physical relationships which are the expression of humanity and human sexuality. That must now arise as a major issue in this debate. I hope that debate takes place in the church.

It would not be a good move to simply dismiss the contribution of the modern church, in particular, to the community. If we throw out the church we are, effectively, left with a secular society with no great expression of spirituality. The Celtic race is very spiritual. One can see that in many ways, especially in the modern church. The modern church is allowing greater expression of spiritually in a much broader and more free context. That needs to be acknowledged and nourished because in that is the creation of a great future for the church.

We hope what we have read in the Ferns Report will never happen again but we need assurances from the Government on how we will ensure it does not happen again. We need to take measures in that regard. Our concern is the Ferns Report is only the start and that more cases will emerge. If that is so, let us get them out in the open which is where they need to be because only then will we fully deal with the issue. Let us have that nationwide investigation.

I thank all those involved in the Ferns Report for the work they have done on behalf of society as it is a major contribution. It is shocking and dreadfully difficult reading. However, it must be read and debated. I welcome this debate.

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