Irish bishops speak out against alcohol abuse

In their Lenten pastoral letter Alcohol: the challenge of Moderation, the Irish Catholic bishops have broached a topic which they say is as important in the Ireland of the 21st century as it was during the Famine of the 1850s, when a massive Catholic campaign was mounted against excessive alcohol consumption.

Their concern stems in part from two recent surveys which place Ireland at the top of the list for binge drinking among 20 year-olds and also for general alcohol consumption of 15 year-olds(!) and older.

In his speech to the press at the launch of the pastoral letter, Bishop Eamonn Walsh said that "the Bishops’ Conference hopes to do more than encourage a debate on this national problem. Incorporated in the pastoral are some practical suggestions, such as to reduce one’s consumption of alcohol by one third and assess the difference this makes after three months and to initiate a discussion amongst friends and at home about our attitude to and use of alcohol."

"Another is a suggestion for the Season of Lent. Many people decide to observe temperance during Lent in the spirit of giving up in order to become better people. Should people decide to make giving up alcohol part of their Lenten fast and abstinence, the freedom and extra resources they experience could be channelled into helping others in need, at home and in the Third World."

The bishop then specifically pointed out that "prayer often motivates the making of such sacrifices that are turned into positive forces for good and not just arid self-denial."