Iona Institute

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Iona Institute
Location	23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
Founded	January 2007
Director	David Quinn
Field	Religion and family values
Official website	www.ionainstitute.com

The Iona Institute is a conservative Irish think tank concerned with traditional marriage, religion and society. David Quinn, a journalist and commentator on religious affairs, is the Institute's founder. It was launched publicly in 2007, with psychiatrist Patricia Casey and journalist Breda O'Brien among the patrons.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

The Institute's mission statement claims that it is dedicated to the "strengthening of civil society" by supporting traditional marriage and religion^[6][7]. It posits that rising crime, family breakdown, drug abuse and other social elements are experienced by a "weakened society" and that such a weakened society will not recognise the importance of marriage and religion unless a convincing, evidence-based case is made for them^[8].

The Institute has also organised a conference in support of denominational education^[9][10][11].

[edit] Criticism

The Iona Institute has been accused of homophobia because of their opposition to the Irish government recognising same-sex marriages^[12][13]. It has also been accused of disingenuously misinterpreting data coming from surveys on parental preferences in terms of denominational as against non and multi-denominational education models in Ireland to suit their pro-denominational viewpoint.^[14]

[edit] External links

• David Quinn discussed the project with Ryan Tubridy on his RTÉ Radio One show of the 24 January 2007. You can listen to the discussion here. The discussion is at 36min 24sec into the show. Real player required.

[edit] References

1. ^ Creative Strategies for Business blogon the Iona Institute
2. ^ Bystander blog on David Quinn
3. ^ Clerical Whispers blog on Iona Institute conference
4. ^ Interview with David Quinn of Iona Institute
5. ^ Village Magazine interview with David Quinn
6. ^ Iona Institude article on marriage
7. ^ Iona Institute on religious practice
8. ^ Iona Institute claiming that it is making an evidence-based case for it's views
9. ^ David Quinn's opening address in support of denominational education
10. ^ John Murray's defence of denominational education
11. ^ Father Vincent Twomey's closing remarks in support of denominational education
12. ^ Grainne Healy of MarriagEquality criticises Patricia Casey's argument against same-sex marriage
13. ^ Letter from Christopher Robson of Gay, Lesbian Equality Network criticising the Iona Institute's campaign against same-sex marriage
14. ^ Aggressive Secularist's Blog on Iona's interpretation of Red-C poll on opinions on denominational education

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