The Catholic Church as "Guardian of the Faith"? Sex, Scandal, and Social Progress in the Republic of Ireland (thesis)

Abstract

What makes Ireland's social and political trajectory notable is not that the debates over marriage equality and abortion departed from the traditional framework used in the West. Instead, it is the distinct historical context Ireland is situation within that undermined conservative and Catholic arguments against the two referendums; the nation's history of intrainstitutional traffic, endemic abuse, and systematic protection of those who perpetrated violence caused the Church's claims over the welfare of children and families to fall flat. This legacy of abuse and hypocrisy undermined the power of opposition groups who rooted their arguments in religion; though the Church was once seen as the protector of the Irish people through its role in government, education, and healthcare, the abuse committed in religious institutions was viewed as an abdication of this responsibility; the 21st century marked the beginning of a widespread belief that the duty to protect fell upon the State rather than the Church. This does not necessarily mean that Ireland is no longer a 'Catholic country,' though. Instead, Breen and Reynolds argue that recent European Values Survey data shows that "the overall picture seems to be one of a church-oriented decline, but a relatively persistent religious sentiment." (206) Ireland is not rejecting the Catholic faith itself; instead, younger generations are questioning and redefining what it means to be a 'good Catholic.' Following Ursula Halligan's argument in support of marriage equality, the Irish people have made the case through these two referendums that defending the rights of their neighbors is "the most Christian thing to do."(207)