In OTL the Catholic Church was incredibly influentual in Southern Ireland. It was obsessed by sexual sin and keeping women in an inferior place. We now know just how outragously some Brothers, Priests and Nuns acted for much of the 20th century.
Now suppose that somehow an outstandingly decent human being became Primate in say 1930. Archbishop Francis O'Good (totally out of Derek's imagination) loudly says that beating your wife is worse than adultery. He preaches forgiveness for women (and men) who have sinned sexually.
He also asks the Irish government to offer refuge for Jewish refugees from the Nazis.
He bans corporal punishment in Catholic schools and children's homes. He ensures that people who had sexually abused children are prosecuted and that Priests who use power obtain sexual favors are removed from the Priesthood.
I ask these questions partly because I wonder how much the Church had a choice.
Now suppose that somehow an outstandingly decent human being became Primate in say 1930. Archbishop Francis O'Good (totally out of Derek's imagination) loudly says that beating your wife is worse than adultery. He preaches forgiveness for women (and men) who have sinned sexually.
He also asks the Irish government to offer refuge for Jewish refugees from the Nazis.
He bans corporal punishment in Catholic schools and children's homes. He ensures that people who had sexually abused children are prosecuted and that Priests who use power obtain sexual favors are removed from the Priesthood.
I ask these questions partly because I wonder how much the Church had a choice.