The Iona Institute is a conservative, Catholic lobby group based in Ireland. Founded by David Quinn, a commentator on religious affairs, it was launched publicly in 2007. Psychiatrist Patricia Casey and journalist Breda O'Brien are amongst its patrons.
The Institute advocates religion and opposes same-sex marriage and supported limited civil partnerships with broad based religious freedom protections. It posits that rising crime, family breakdown, drug abuse and other social problems are typical of a "weakened society" and that such a society will fail to recognise the importance of marriage and religion unless an evidence-based case was made. Since its foundation, the Institute has released a number of reports to this end.
In an article in The Irish Times by Kathy Sheridan on gay marriage, the Institute was described as being "blessed with extremely high-profile members with priceless multimedia platforms" and "'very, very engaged' with politicians".
Famous quotes containing the words iona and/or institute:
“Praise to Christ who feeds the hungry, frees the captive, finds the lost,
Heals the sick, upsets religion, fearless both of fate and cost.
Celebrate Christ’s constant presence—Friend and Stranger, Guest and Host.”
—The Iona Community (founded 1938)
“Whenever any form of government shall become destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, & to institute new government, laying it’s foundation on such principles & organising it’s powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety & happiness.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)