Press Releases
New Year message 2007 from the Archbishop of Dublin
A new year begins with expectations and with forecasts of one kind and another. There is for many something fascinating about predictions, and some even dare to make their predictions into promises! Now and in the coming months, we will hear many predictions about the economy, about the housing market, and about the outcome of political elections in the Republic of Ireland, and even the future shape of Northern Ireland politics.
There is a danger about trying to map out the future if it covers up a failure to deal with the present, and even more the past. On this island, we are often accused of dwelling too much in the past, but we are not very good at dealing with the past. The way in which family disputes pass down the generations, and hurts of previous centuries still divide communities, illustrate our dwelling in the past. To move forward, and deal with the past, means being freed from the past.
To be freed from the past involves facing the truth, and seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. There is a real danger that in Ireland we are not taking this seriously enough. Peace must be built on foundations that involve both change in the present, and a real attempt at healing the past. There is a danger that all the effort is being expended on seeking change in the present, and little real engagement with what has gone before. This applies as much in local and family disputes as in major political issues.
The Gospel stresses the future and the eternal significance of life, but at its heart is the message of forgiveness, and the call to forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us.
My hope for 2007 is that we will move forwards in hope on this island, but that we will pause to ensure that we are building on firm foundations.
Further information from:
Mr Garrett Casey,
Diocesan Communications Officer,
Dublin and Glendalough,
Tel: +353 1 6106447
Mob: + 353 87 2356472