DJ Ruth Scott is swapping beats for spirituality as she’s become a humanist celebrant.
The Roscommon radio star hit back at the Catholic Church for "abandoning" women as she revealed she has become a wedding celebrant and is raking in the bookings for 2020.
Ruth told the Irish Mirror: “I’m booked for some weddings next year.
“One is a couple who have been legally married in another country but are returning to Ireland to have their “big day” in front of their friends.
“A friend of my hubby’s recently got married in the States and I officiated the marriage, so I’m a bit like Joey in Friends.”
Ruth, who’s in her 40s, has carved out a successful radio career from 98FM to 2FM and more recently Radio Nova.
The star ,who also presents the Elaine Show on Virgin Media One, said she believes the Catholic Church has never considered women as equals.
She said: “Some people have asked me if I have 'abandoned' the church.
“My feelings are that the Catholic Church abandoned me and many women years ago.
“If I’m not good enough to be considered an equal to all (wo)man, I have no interest in listening to their rhetoric.
“For me, being a Humanist was the ideal attachment.
“Humanists are a non-religious international group, a bunch of free-thinkers which means that we have great chats and even boisterous discussions.
“Everyone is encouraged to ask questions.
“For me, one of the most important parts of being a Humanist is that we don’t believe in the after-life.
“The only non-religious group in Ireland who can legally solemnise a wedding are the Humanists.
“As to what is “solemnising - think of the bit where the bride & groom sign the registry - that’s the legal bit, the solemnising part being done.
“This means that as individuals, we believe in living our life well without relying on the idea of a “God”.
“We believe in people’s rights to a home, education, equality and so many other important parts of life”.
Humanism for Ruth is the ideal form of spirituality for those who don’t conform to organised religion.
She added: “Ever since I realised that I was an atheist, I found myself wondering how we mark all of life’s big occasions.
“Typically, christenings, communions, confirmation, weddings and funerals are part of many people's rites of passage.
“What do we do if we don’t want to go to the church for them, or if the church won’t 'allow' what these individuals want?
“Nowadays, more and more people are saying that they have been to a humanist wedding ceremony and how much they enjoy them.
For same sex couples humanist ceremonies are a godsend: “Same sex couples and couples getting married after divorce may be hamstrung with some of their wedding plans if they go through some religions.
“Isn’t it just fabulous to think that two people who are in love can commit to each other with a beautiful ceremony and gathering of friends.”
