The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has called the forthcoming family and care referendums a “missed opportunity” that would likely not be of any real benefit.

In a letter to its members, they say the “ambiguity and lack of clarity contained within some of the amendments will mean that it is unlikely to introduce meaningful change, which could have been of benefit to society as a whole”.

Specifically regarding the family referendum, they say, “we are disappointed that the proposed amendment seeks to remove the link between marriage and family”.

They add that they are “not alone in foreseeing major problems that will arise from the lack of clarity surrounding this new definition and interpretation of ‘durable relationships’ in the proposed new text”.

 On the “mothers in the home” or “care” amendment they express concern that the deletion of this article may unintentionally devalue the “pivotal role that mothers have in nurturing and bringing up children”, and lead to a failure to recognise “the huge economic, as well as the social value of parents (mothers and fathers), who have the ability to stay at home with their children during their formative years”.