May 28, 2013      Martin Mallon  (Ireland)      Martin's previous articles                        

THE CHURCH AND AUSTERITY

Why is our Church so quick to condemn politicians who support policies that effect sexual matters, such as marriage, yet are practically silent about the imposition of austerity measures, which hit the poor in our society disproportionately?  

What attitude should the Church take to politicians and bankers in their treatment of the poor? Let us take the specific and very common example, in Europe at least, in these times of austerity; the case of those who have mortgages on their family homes which they can no longer pay due to the recession foisted on the world by the bankers and politicians. Let us be very clear, during the boom times of the early to mid 2000’s bankers lent wildly and encouraged citizens to borrow more, particularly to purchase housing. This caused housing booms and everyone felt wealthier and borrowed more. Governments received more taxes and so encouraged the boom while relaxing banking regulations at the same time. Most economists and politicians forecast that the boom would continue indefinitely.  

What would any good citizen do? Everyone has a responsibility only to borrow what they can repay. However, the average citizen would, of course, believe the bankers and politicians and borrow to invest in what they are told is a sustainable increase in property values. Not only that, but first time buyers, believing the bankers and politicians, would borrow to the limit to get on the property ladder before it is too late.  

Then the bust arrived, precipitated by the USA subprime mortgage catastrophe, as a few, very few, predicted.  

What do our politicians and governments do? Is the citizen their first concern? The answer was and still is NO in Europe . The Euro must be saved at all costs and naturally this meant and means saving the banks. Ireland crucified and is crucifying its people to stay in and save the Euro. In a country of under 5 million,  over 300,000 have had to emigrate in the last 4 years while the politicians celebrate unemployment at over 14%.  

Where are the Irish Bishops while economic austerity is foisted on the people of Ireland ? Do we hear them leading the calls for growth and expansion? Are they calling for debt forgiveness as in the case of Iceland ? No, in fact the opposite is happening in Ireland , the new bankruptcy laws ensure that if you go bankrupt you still have to pay your mortgage as long as you live. This is inhumane, but hardly a whimper from our bishops or clergy.  

However, thankfully Irish businessmen, such as Ben Dunne, have advised that those in unsustainable debt situations should move to the UK , including Northern Ireland , to go bankrupt. One year after going bankrupt a person is free of debt. No such advice or support is forthcoming from the Irish Church .  

Meanwhile, many Irish families are living in poverty and suicides have and are occurring due to debt and austerity, again with no concrete proposals from the Irish Church .  

No one expects the bishops and clergy to have the answers to all Ireland 's economic problems, but they are expected to help the poor and suffering. What about organising a protest march against any future austerity measures? This might also help to show that the Catholic Church does care what happens to their parishioners and are prepared to do something about it.  

Prayers are needed for all those suffering from austerity and financial problems, but leadership in solving or ameliorating these problems should also be forthcoming from the bishops.

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