New priests' reform movement launched

A new priests' movement is being planned to push for a reformation within Irish Catholicism.

The push, which will include a call for the Church to re-evaluate its teaching on sexuality as well as ''an equal place for women in all areas of Church life'' is the brainchild of three prominent priests.

The three, Fr Tony Flannery, Fr Brendan Hoban and Fr Sean McDonagh said ''the consensus was that, due to the diversity of opinion among priests, it would be impossible to represent all clergy.

''A more manageable and targeted approach would be to draft a set of aims or guidelines for such an association and monitor the response,'' it said.

However, a number of prominent priests who were approached by the group have refused to take any part.

Abbot of Glenstal Fr Mark Patrick Hederman said: ''I was approached about this but I said I did not want to be part of it.

''I was ordained a priest only a year and a half ago and I am still trying to find my bearings. So, I am in no condition to lead any movement for priests,'' he said.

One of the organisers, Fr Sean McDonagh told The Irish Catholic he ''was getting a lot of positivity from priests''. However, he acknowledged that ''there would be some opposition and indifference''.

''We priests are perhaps the only group in the country with no representative forum,'' he said. ''We want to address this.''

Ecumenism and the ''promotion of peace, justice and the protection of God's creation.'' are also key elements in the new groups mission according to a manifesto.

The group are now due to hold a meeting in Portlaoise on September 15 to canvass support for its reform programme.

Aims of the Association of Catholic Priests

•Providing a voice for Irish Catholic priests at a time when that voice is largely silent and needs to be expressed;

•Giving an opportunity for Irish priests to engage proactively with the crucial debates taking place in Irish society;

Full implementation of the vision and teaching of the Second Vatican Council, with special emphasis on:

The primacy of the individual conscience.

The status and active participation of all the baptised.

The task of establishing a Church where all believers will be treated as equal.

A redesigning of ministry in the Church, in order to develop the gifts, wisdom and expertise of the entire faith community, male and female.

A re-structuring of the governing system of the Church, basing it on service rather than on power, and encouraging at every level a culture of consultation and transparency, particularly in the appointment of Church leaders.

An equal place for women in all areas of Church life, including the governing systems and the various forms of ministry.

A re-evaluation of Catholic sexual teaching and practice that recognises the profound mystery of human sexuality and the experience and wisdom of God's people.

Promotion of peace, justice and the protection of God's creation locally, nationally and globally.

Recognition that Church and State are separate and that while the Church must preach the message of the Gospel and try to live it authentically, the State has the task of enacting laws for all its citizens.

Liturgical celebrations that use rituals and language that are easily understood, inclusive and accessible to all.

Strengthening relationships with our fellow Christians and other faiths.

Full acceptance that the Spirit speaks through all people, including those of faiths other than Christian and those of no religious faith, so that the breath of the Spirit will flow more freely.

SIC: IC