Lithuanian Embassy in Ireland brought together Archbishop of Dublin and EU ambassadors for a roundtable discussion
Lithuanian Ambassador to Ireland Rasa Adomaitienė invited Heads of missions from EU countries to meet Archbishop Diarmuid Martint and hear his insights about the role of the Catholic Church in Irish political and public life.
Archbishop, who had a long career in Holy See diplomatic service, pointed out misleading views that religion and Catholic Church plays a key role in Irish politics and attitudes of the public. Even though Irish still identify themselves as Catholic, active membership of the Church is diminishing. Nevertheless, virtues of the Catholic Church – sympathy, tolerance and love – made their impact in an unexpected way, when in the 2015 referendum on same sex marriages gained a strong support from Irish people.
In the discussion that followed, Archbishop Marin answered questions regarding efforts of the Church to solve problems after revealed child abuse cases, the possible role of Church in decreasing separation of the communities in Northern Ireland, the social media role in Church communication.
