‘DON’T PREACH ON ABORTION REFERENDUM’
Priests voice concern at campaigners using pulpit
THE Association of Catholic Priests yesterday called for an end to the “inappropriate and insensitive” practice of referendum campaigners speaking at Mass.
In a statement the ACP said it fully endorses the church’s teaching that all human life, from beginning to end, is sacred, and that every human person shares in the fundamental right to life.
But it added it was “concerned” that in the run-up to the referendum on the Eighth Amendment on May 25, using the pulpit to make a point was “an abuse of the Eucharist”.
The group said it believed it would be better if the practice ceased – and wished Irish people well in what they call “this immensely important decision awaiting all of us”. It added “human life is complex, throwing up situations that are more often grey than black and white”. It said that some scenarios “demand from us a sensitive, non-judgmental pastoral approach”. The ACP added its members are not best placed to be dogmatic on the issue as it is an association of unmarried and childless men. It encouraged people to find out exactly what they are being asked to vote for, and what the consequences of their vote might be. The statement added: “Having done that to the best of our ability, and following it with the often painful and difficult task of consulting our conscience, let us cast our vote. “A vote cast in accordance with each person’s conscience, whatever the result, deserves the respect of all.” The ACP – a voluntary association of Roman Catholic clergy in Ireland – was established in 2010 as a forum to comment on issues of the day.
Founder member Fr Tony Flannery was disciplined and banned from public ministry by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2012 because of his views on sexuality, contraception and the role of women in the church.
John Mcguirk, of the Save The 8th campaign, said its representatives and the Pro Life Campaign had been encouraged by bishops to address weekend congregations and defended the practice as perfectly legitimate.
He added: “The Association of Catholic Priests appears to be worried that Catholics may hear Catholic teaching reflected at Catholic Masses.
“Nobody is compelling anyone in the church to vote one way or another.”