Sir, - The item by Patsy McGarry on "mixed-marriage couples" (The Irish Times, January 10th) quotes one person who describes the Ne Temere decree as "most unforgiveable and un-Christian". The promises given by Catholics as regards the upbringing of the children are described as "almost worse".
The Ne Temere decree was issued by Pope (now St) Pius X on August 2nd, 1907. It is not about mixed marriages but clandestine marriages, which had long been the cause of much suffering and injustice. Without official proof of a couple having married, a husband, for example, could abandon his partner claiming that he had never been married to her. The Council of Trent had tried to remedy this situation but left too many loopholes.
To ensure that the Ne Temere decree would be effective, all Catholics were now required to observe the prescribed form for a valid marriage consent - even when they married other Christians. Mixed marriages were mentioned in only one short paragraph. No mention whatever is made in this document of promises to be given by either party. There is nothing in this decree that could be remotely described as "un-Christian". It is extraordinary to see the way it has been vilified in this country and the media are to some extent responsible. Perhaps The Irish Times will publish Ne Temere to let people judge for themselves.
As regards the obligation that the children be brought up as Catholics, this basically derives from the Catholic faith and not from any Church regulation. Even before Ne Temere, this was clearly stated in moral textbooks. Pope John Paul has also clearly said that this is "an obligation that faith imposes on the Catholic party" (Familiaris Consortio no 78). If one believes in the Catholic Church as founded by Christ and as having all the means of salvation, one is necessarily bound in conscience to do one's best to share this faith and these means with all the children - especially the Eucharist. This intention, as an obligation of faith, can never be bargained away. True ecumenism must always place God at the centre. - Yours, etc.,
Millstreet, Co Cork.