Dear Editor, Referring to the 750 humanist marriage ceremonies held this year, columnist Mary Kenny reacts favourably to them as being good in so far as they got married at all (IC 09/10/14). She endorses the commitment given in this marriage ceremony, rather than drifting into vague co-habitation which is worse for children and is statistically more likely to break down, more likely to risk domestic abuse and statistically more likely to leave children poorer.
Co-habiting unions here would most likely be Catholic; whereas the humanist union is between agnostic and atheist. These situations, like for like, are not worthy of comparison because very often it is the intention of co-habiting unions to have a Church wedding, even more so when children are in the plan. Humanist statistics on the upbringing of atheist families are not readily available here.
I cannot agree either with Mary Kenny’s suggestion that it is time Christian churches upped their game to meet the challenge by making sacramental weddings more attractive, better music and more attractive surroundings. There was an onslaught of Catholic Church weddings this year. Every ceremony seemed to surpass the last with exquisite decorations, splendour, music presentation and surroundings. Catholic Churches do not have to go commercial and advertise for weddings, Mary!
Yours etc.,
James Gleeson,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary..