Bishop Athanasius Schneider on the Irish Referendum on Abortion

Interview Organization: EWTN Great Britain
Date: May 27, 2018
Bishop Schneider reflects on Ireland’s referendum legalizing abortion, calling it a manipulated result driven by political and media pressure. He affirms that the true victory belongs to those who defended life. Despite being a minority, they stand with God. Families and youth are urged to boldly witness to life and truth.
If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.

Transcript:

Perhaps many of you already know the results of the recent referendum in Ireland regarding abortion. It is said that the outcome shows a great majority against life, against the protection of their own babies, their own children. This is very sad news. But we must remember, months before the referendum, there was a massive campaign of disinformation and pressure applied to the entire Irish society. It was a demagogic manipulation of public opinion, orchestrated by those who hold power in politics and the mass media. What we are witnessing is a dictatorship, yes, a dictatorship in Europe against life, against the family. But let us be clear: those who seem to have “won” this vote are not the true victors.

The real victory belongs to those in Ireland who bravely fought to defend life against this modern-day Goliath. Even if they are a minority in numbers, the so-called official minority who voted for life, they are the true winners. Why? Because God is on their side. God is the God of life. And those who appear to have won, they have lost. They are the losers because death is on their side. But life, goodness, and God will always triumph. To you, dear families, especially those with many children, and to all young people, you are members of the winning team with Christ, even if we are a minority, even if we must stand as a minority in society. God is with us. This knowledge should fill us with courage, conviction, determination, and joy. It should inspire us to live boldly and witness to the beauty of life, the beauty of family, and the beauty of marriage. By doing so, you will give real hope and a future to society, and especially to the Church. Thank you for your witness and your fidelity.