WHAT should have been operating as a vision of hope, was actually destroying it, the Bishop of Limerick said yesterday about Ireland’s child abuse scandal. Dr Donal Murray said the commission report had shown how a vision was "betrayed and deformed" by the pain caused to so many children.
He made his comments after addressing a conference on Catholic education in contemporary Ireland, held at Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick.
In his address, Dr Murray said a greater variety of choice in education now presents new challenges for those involved in Catholic education.
He said there would have to be the painful recognition that some schools are no longer viable as Catholic schools.
There has to be due regards to the rights of parents and the kind of education they want for their children.
He said many people want to send their children to Catholic schools, and they should have this choice open to them.
The challenge ahead, will involve looking at providing for children of other religious traditions who attend Catholic schools and how their religious needs within the school can be catered for.
This will mean that a new form of primary school will be needed in Ireland. People who did not want a Catholic education for their children, should also have that choice open to them.
"The greater variety of choice presents new challenges and this will need greater consultation."
Catholic education in this country, he said, was a precious heritage.
A neutral education system without any religion was an illusion, he said, and only suited those who think religion should have no place in education.
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