The Orange Order must drop its “out-of-date”, sectarian regulations and embrace more tolerant attitudes towards Catholics, a prominent Protestant minister has urged. Dr Ken Newell, a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, said there are “lingering elements” of sectarianism in the loyalist organisation, and that the Irish lodge should be more tolerant of…
Dissident republican groups bent on creating friction and curtailing free speech is a “form of fascism”, a Derry-based priest has said. Fr Joe Gormley of Creggan parish told this newspaper that attempts to stop the police from talking to young people about critical issues shows the “fascist element” of dissident republicanism. His comments after the…
Ireland’s longest-serving diocesan bishop has hailed the appointment of his successor as “a new beginning” for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Bishop John Buckley, who has headed the Diocese of Cork and Ross since 1998, welcomed the announcement that Dublin archdiocesan chancellor Fr Fintan Gavin [pictured] will succeed him as Bishop of Cork, saying…
The majority of people would reject the introduction of female deacons to their parish according to a survey conducted by this paper. Over 1,300 people responded to a social media survey with two-thirds saying they would not support their diocese if this was considered. Overall 979 people voted against the idea, while 361 approved. This…
The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) this week launched #ThePowerofVote campaign, calling on citizens to use their vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. Recent practices in Europe, such as the absence of safe and legal pathways to protection; the extensive use of detention of asylum seekers;…
A coffee shop set up with the support of over a dozen different Catholic groups offers a model of outreach and co-operation which could be vital for the Church going forward, organisers say. Brew132 on Cork’s Washington Street aims to provide a place where students on their way to and from college might be exposed…
BREAKING Ireland’s longest-serving diocesan bishop has welcomed the appointment of his successor as “a new beginning” for the Diocese of Cork and Ross. Dublin archdiocesan chancellor Fr Fintan Gavin was this morning announced as Bishop-elect of Cork and Ross, with the diocese’s bishop emeritus, Bishop John Buckley, declaring that “It is a great honour for…
An Irish homelessness charity has welcomed an initiative that offers homeless people a fixed postal address at their local post office. An Post says it is Europe’s first free personal address and mail collection service for people living in temporary accommodation or are homeless. Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) Homeless Service Coordinator, Fiona McDonnell said: “We…
Priests warn of ‘horrendous’ problems from EU clock change An EU plan that would see a different time-zone on either side of the border would leave parishioners not only divided by the border, but also by different clocks. Local priests have warned of “horrendous” confusion for parishioners with one saying “God help us” if…
The Church runs the risk of becoming a museum unless it can learn to reach out more to young people, Pope Francis warned this week. The Pontiff insisted that young people will not find the Church credible if it seems to be constantly on the defensive and focused on a small number of issues. Francis…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Greg Daly
Chai Brady