The Catholic Church has described as “very disappointing” and “inappropriate” the actions of those who staged a pro-Palestinian protest during Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh.
And a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Armagh reaffirmed its “sympathy” for the plight of the people of Gaza.
They also renewed calls for an end to the war in Gaza and the Middle East, quoting from ‘To be a people of hope!’ – the Irish Bishops’ statement for the General Election 2024.
Sunday’s protest had been organised by the newly-formed Christians4Palestine organisation, and saw around 30 people walking through the aisles of the Cathedral during a Mass, while holding placards related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The placards on display depicted a number of different slogans, such as: ‘Jesus was a Palestinian’, ‘Don’t make Jesus complicit in genocide’, and ‘Thou shalt not kill, except for Palestinians’.
A spokesperson for the group, which reportedly consists of members of the Protestant and Catholic communities, said this was their first action, which demands that Christian churches, “unequivocally condemn Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid against the Palestinian people”.
The Archdiocese of Armagh, in a statement released tonight (Monday), defended its stance on the plight in the Middle East and indicated what it had done in support, while criticising the manner of protest taken.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese said: “While we are very sympathetic to the plight of the people of Gaza, and of all victims of war and violence throughout the world, it was very disappointing that a group of protesters chose to disrupt the celebration of Mass in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, on Sunday morning, just as parishioners had received Holy Communion.
“At a personal level, and together with the other Irish bishops, Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken out strongly and frequently on the issue of the horrific devastation and loss of life in Gaza, most recently in the Bishops’ Conference’s pre-election statement of two weeks ago (a simple internet search will provide access to these statements).
“The bishops have also encouraged humanitarian help for Gaza and the Middle East through locally based charitable outreach, and through Trócaire’s ongoing special appeal.
“In his 2024 New Year Peace message, Archbishop Martin highlighted this issue urging the international community to consider if war crimes are being committed with the merciless bombardment of civilians and the effective blocking of humanitarian aid to the defenceless people of Gaza.
“The appalling situation in Gaza needs prayers and concrete action at all levels to end this inhumane conflict. Disrupting the sacred liturgy in any way is upsetting and an inappropriate form of protest.”
The Irish Bishops’ statement for the General Election 2024, endorsed by Archbishop Eamon Martin, reiterated the stance of the Church.
It stated: “The war in Gaza and the Middle East must stop now. Enough is enough! The plight of the people of the region is horrendous. So too is the inability of the international community to act to bring about a ceasefire and a longer-term solution to the questions involved.
“Similarly, the international community has a role to play in bringing peace to Ukraine and to other areas of conflict in our world, including Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen. War, militarisation and the proliferation of arms, is a stain on our humanity.
“Pope Francis reminds us that throughout the Bible, justice, peace and faith go together. He invites us to oppose a culture of cruelty and war and, instead, always promote a culture of peace and bear witness to human solidarity and love.
“Irish peacekeeping troops operate in many troubled areas of our world. As a nation we contribute also in the area of human development through a number of agencies operating from our country.
“We ask all political parties to ensure the budget for overseas development aid is maintained and increased over the coming mandate.”
