THE Catholic Church must support, not condemn people whose marriages have failed and offer those in second relationships a place in "the worshipping Church", according to the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary.

In his Lenten homily, Dr Neary warned of the threats facing marriage, but also insisted, "we have to recognise that marriages fail for many reasons".

He said: "Marital breakdown is always a great tragedy. It is not for us to judge or condemn the individuals involved because we can never know the full background, the causes, the pressures and the pain which have led to this situation.

"As a Church we have a responsibility to support in whatever way possible those who find themselves in this situation."

Praising one-parent families, he added: "I recognise the courage and determination of families with one parent raising the children." Referring to those in second relationships, Archbishop Neary said: "I want to encourage all who are separated or who find themselves in new relationships to continue to be part of the worshipping Church." Archbishop Neary added that the Church does know that marriage and family life is not easy.

David Quinn