Our next talk which will be delivered by Iona Institute Director and columnist, David Quinn. His topic will be ‘Anti-Catholicism in Ireland’.

David will ask whether there is such a thing, how we would define it and what it takes the form of. He will distinguish between fair and unfair criticism of the Church, especially in the context of the abuse scandals and some of the ‘legacy’ issues arising from the Church’s past dominance.

He will argue that in the present rush to criticise the Church, we are forgetting the often heroic work that has been done, and is being done, by priests, religious and laity. He will say we are now in danger of making religion a purely private thing which is evidenced by the recent suggestion that religious symbols should not be on public display even in Catholic hospitals.

David will compare present attitudes towards the Church with attitudes towards Britain, now and in the past, and will review the recent Papal visit to Ireland and the atmosphere during that and in the lead-up to it.

Refreshments will be served after the event.