Priest says mosque challenge is ‘unChristian’

A PRIEST has said it would be ‘unChristian’ to take a High Court challenge against any granting of planning permission for a mosque.

Kilkenny Council has sought further information on aspects of the plan to build the €5m mosque, which has divided some locals and sparked a 1,000-signature petition.

The development is planned for a 1.85-acre site, next door to Nowlan Park GAA grounds, in an industrial estate on Hebron Road outside the city centre.

Fr Frank Purcell told the Irish Mail on Sunday that he has no ‘objection whatsoever’ to the building, nor to its location near the graveyard.

He added he is aware of some racist and religious abuse suffered by the Muslim community since the plan was unveiled, and described the remarks as ‘very regrettable.’

‘We welcome all creeds and none. There is room for us all,’ he insisted. ‘We have many Muslim friends in our parish, all lovely, tremendous people.’

Asked about a possible High Court appeal, Fr Purcell said: ‘That would not be a Christian act, in my view. What would Jesus think? I don’t think he would extricate God-worshipping people from his community.’ Imam Ebrahima Ndure, head of the local Muslim community, told the Irish Mail on Sunday people have the right to object, but he believes it is ‘not fair to deny us our right to have a place of worship.’

‘I am not upset but I would love for people to learn about our culture and beliefs, and integrate with us too,’ he added.