Mr Robert Gibson, a long-time resident of Limerick City, has offered a piece of advice to the Irish Church Missionary Society to reconsider their proselytizing attempts in Limerick City. Mr Gibson, a Protestant and Freemason, has lived among the Catholic community in the South of Ireland for 58 years. He has not experienced any form of persecution, insult, or annoyance from the Catholic community that is often condemned by some as “base, bloody, and brutal Papists” and “tyrant priests”. Mr Gibson praises the work of Christian institutions such as the Christian Brothers and urges the Irish Church Missionary Society to subscribe to their efforts if they intend to convert Catholics into Christian men and women.

Mr Gibson’s advice has far-reaching implications for the Irish Church Missionary Society and its proselytizing efforts in Limerick City. The Society’s efforts, which are often funded by donors in England and elsewhere, aim to convert Catholics into Protestantism. However, according to Mr Gibson, these efforts are unnecessary and unsupported by the Catholic community in Limerick City. Mr Gibson’s experience living among the Catholic community contradicts the Society’s perception of Irish Catholics, and his advice calls for a more respectful and understanding approach towards other religious practices.

Northants Evening Telegraph – Monday 24 March 1902