A Christian Message Of Hope For The Day What’s In it

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AT today’s inauguration of Michael D Higgins in addition to the usual prayers, a reflection will be offered by a secular humanist.

I say “secular humanist” deliberately because there is a long-standing tradition of Christian humanism as well, dating back to the likes of Erasmus and Thomas More in the 16th Century.

The secular humanist has been invited to say a few words presumably because President Higgins, as he might well be by the time you read this, wants the non-believers of Ireland to be represented at a presidential inauguration for the first time ever and in keeping with his campaign promise to be ‘inclusive’.

We can argue the merits of this move till the cows come home.

No one would call Norway or Sweden theocracies but they have state churches and those churches are accordingly given privileged status at many civic events in recognition of Norway and Sweden’s Christian heritage.

Is Christianity from now on to have less status at civic events in Ireland than it does in ultra-liberal countries like Sweden and Norway?

Then again, given the growing number of non-believers in this country maybe it is only right and fitting that secular humanists be given their moment in the sun at big civic occasions like the one today.

Mr Higgins would not have been able to include a secular humanist reflection at his inauguration without the approval of the Government.

 

Oh.

David Quinn: Unholy Row Brewing As Secularisation Creeps In (David Quinn, irish Independent)

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