Father Brendan Kilcoyne is among the few priests in Ireland willing to voice what many others avoid discussing. Each week, he speaks bluntly about issues that are generally tiptoed around in public life.
Ireland, similar to Britain and various Western nations, is undergoing transformation from two main influences: a distinctly secular culture that often mocks faith, and a significant influx of individuals whose values clash with traditional Christianity.
This is a reality that the West is hesitant to confront. A culture devoid of God can’t just remain neutral; it inevitably shifts towards something less humane.
These dual trends are eroding Christianity’s remaining foundations in Ireland. One aspect may disrupt it while the other aims to replace it altogether.
Kilcoyne is not merely advocating for what some politicians term “legal immigration” to sound judicious. He goes a step further. He proposes a focus on Christian-only immigration—not out of provocation, but rather as a strategy for survival in a civilization that has long taken the gospel for granted. He argues that, in a nation where faith once played a central role in everyday life, new arrivals should ideally share and inherit that faith.
I believe he is correct. It’s probably the healthiest direction left to pursue.
From my own experience, this rings true. There are numerous Filipino workers in Ireland, especially in nursing and caregiving. They are among the friendliest individuals I’ve encountered. In fact, they seem to remind many Irish of an older version of their culture: devout, industrious, and focused on family.
My mother collaborates closely with a Filipino nurse who she regards as one of the kindest individuals she’s ever met. This isn’t just a theoretical discussion about cultural cohesion; I’ve seen it in everyday life. Their Catholic faith profoundly influences their character, sense of duty, and respect for life, enhancing their environment wherever they go.
On a different note, consider what transpired in the U.S.
In Washington, D.C., Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army specialist, was tragically shot. The accused assailant, Rahmanullah Rakanwal, entered the United States after the Biden administration’s problematic exit from Afghanistan. We can’t ignore that such incidents don’t occur in isolation, just as we can’t possibly believe the UK grooming gang scandal happened without context.
These tragedies form part of a broader pattern. Many Western nations have welcomed individuals who hold fundamentally different views on women, law, authority, violence, and faith—and then appear shocked when these opposing perspectives manifest in public.
In America, Islam is on track to become the second largest religion, projected to surpass Judaism and mainline Protestantism by 2040. This shift isn’t largely due to conversions; it stems from changing immigration patterns and birth rates.
We need to comprehend this better. This nation, founded on Christian principles and ethics, is transitioning towards a religious landscape that might bewilder the original founders. It’s not mere speculation; it’s demographic reality.
This is crucial because religions are not equivalent—they influence law, culture, public life, authority perceptions, and personal values. A society shaped by Christian teachings will inherently differ from one influenced by the core texts of Islam.
The two traditions bear significant differences. One has fostered a culture of kindness and neighborly love, while the other emerged from periods of conquest, tribal loyalty, and strict obedience. These distinctions aren’t trivial; they have serious implications for civility. As Western Christianity appears to wane, it’s not hard to predict which ideologies may fill that void. Islam isn’t merely a personal belief system; it functions as a complete legal, social, and political framework aimed at reshaping society in its image.
This isn’t conjecture; it’s grounded in early texts and historical evidence, prompting a pressing question: what kind of Western society will arise if the religious equilibrium tips drastically?
Kilcoyne’s message extends beyond Ireland. It applies equally to all nations whose cultures stem from Christianity: much of Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
For society to work, there must be shared beliefs and boundaries. Christianity historically provided both, influencing civic norms, celebrations, art, deportment, and perceptions of freedom. Remove it, and that void can quickly be filled by nihilism, bitterness, or harsher ideologies.
Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee decency, yet it generally correlates with values that hold communities together.
This is the uncomfortable truth that the West struggles to accept. A culture without God can’t maintain neutrality; inevitably, it degrades into something much less humane. A nation that takes in many individuals whose beliefs disregard Christian principles will likely struggle with stability. Whether we recognize it or not, we adopt religious ideologies.
If we recognize the need for immigration—especially in aging nations—Kilcoyne poses an essential question: why not embrace those whose beliefs strengthen society rather than weaken it?
Why not open our doors to people who view children as blessings, respect marriage, take charity seriously, honor the elderly, find meaning in adversity, and believe there’s more to life than basic desires and instincts?
These are the values that once made Western societies robust. And while being a Christian does not ensure goodness, it certainly increases the likelihood that one will share the values vital for societal cohesion.
Sarah Beckstrom’s life was cut short—a young woman who placed her trust in her country, leaders, and the system that allowed her to wear the uniform with pride. Had America taken immigration more seriously—prioritizing those who resonate with its values—she might still be here. Her tragic death shouldn’t be dismissed as just another headline.
Instead, it should mark a pivotal moment where the nation recognizes that immigration policy transcends mere administrative procedures; it’s literally about national survival. Let’s hope her story signifies something.
Let’s push for a future where America selects individuals who will elevate the nation, not draw it into darkness.
