Some people are still bitter about the result of the marriage referendum, it would appear.
Churchgoers in Ballina, co. Mayo walked out of mass at the weekend after the priest criticised those who had voted ‘Yes’ in the same-sex marriage referendum held last month.
According to a report in the Western People, Fr. Tom Doherty delivered a lenghty homily at masses in the town on Saturday night and Sunday morning which so affected some members of the congregation that they were moved to stand up and walk out of the church.
The Western People reports that Fr. Doherty adopted a “chiding, condemnatory” tone during the homily and that amongst other things, he accused people of giving the “two fingers” to the church by voting the way they did in the referendum.
Fr. Doherty is also reported to have used the Roman-era “barbarians at the gate” reference during the homily and spoke of a “descent into immorality,” while also asking those who voted ‘Yes’ to stand up during the mass.
Glad to see the @WesternPeople mention the case of our local PP requesting parishioners who voted YES to stand up at mass last week.#marref
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) June 2, 2015
2/2 The outrage & disgust from locals in #Ballina after mass last week was well justified.#Marref
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) June 2, 2015
Despite #Marref passing some areas in Ireland have a very long way to go when it comes accepting people who voted YES.
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) June 2, 2015
Fr. Doherty’s homily is said to have created an extremely tense atmosphere at the church and some locals were said to be upset and angered at his behaviour.
Speaking to the Western People, Fr. Doherty said: “The homily was not meant to condemn but rather to invite us all to reflect on how we as a Church will find our feet in a rapidly-changing society.
“I drew upon some historical parallels to highlight the importance and the need for mature reflection moving forward.”
Now here's the piece I spoke about.#Marref pic.twitter.com/O5qOskoNOF
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) June 2, 2015
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