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Irish priests form new organization, call for ‘reevaluation of Catholic sexual teaching’

July 29, 2010

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Distressed by the Irish hierarchy’s response to the abuse scandal, some Irish priests are forming a new association whose aim is to represent the nation’s priests in their dealings with bishops.

“'We priests are perhaps the only group in the country with no representative forum,” said Father Sean McDonagh. “We want to address this.”

“It is a good thing if priests wish to organize themselves in order to voice their opinions and this would be important at this challenging time for clergy and lay Catholics alike,” said a spokesman for the Irish bishops’ conference.

The Irish Catholic reported that the Association of Catholic Priests’ aims include “a re-structuring of the governing system of the Church,” “an equal place for women in all areas of Church life, including the governing systems and the various forms of ministry,” and “a re-evaluation of Catholic sexual teaching and practice that recognizes the profound mystery of human sexuality and the experience and wisdom of God's people.”

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• Posted by: samuel.doucette1787 - Jul. 30, 2010 7:36 AM ET USA

  I agree with Gil125, the acquiesence on the part of the Irish bishops was the real scary part. Not that I'm surprised, though. Our own bishops have -- with few notable exceptions -- been textbook examples of cowardice.

• Posted by: Juan - Jul. 30, 2010 5:04 AM ET USA

  This new Association of Catholic Priests formed in Ireland should hook up with Voice of the Faithful -- they have similar goals.

• Posted by: Defender - Jul. 29, 2010 4:31 PM ET USA

  So I guess there is no need for a bishop anymore, let the priests decide? I'm sure they have their own versions of BC, ND and Georgetown where the clergy and those concerned with academic freedom can all fell free to continue to ignore the Magisterium, so why not have a few more priests councils? Having the priests say anything about sex at the present time, is laughable and self-defeating - on second thought, go ahead and do it!

• Posted by: extremeCatholic - Jul. 29, 2010 4:00 PM ET USA

  And so begins the Irish schism as parishioners will have to choose a "bishop's parish" or an "AOCP parish".

• Posted by: Gil125 - Jul. 29, 2010 2:59 PM ET USA

  The frightening thing about this is the response of the bishops' conference. It's GOOD to have the priests restructure the hierarchy of the Catholic Church? And throw out Christ's teaching on sexuality?

• Posted by: Samsung - Jul. 29, 2010 10:06 AM ET USA

  Great... Another labor union that will want to hold its "company" hostage in order to get its way. If it was company, instead of God's church, they'd destroy it eventually.

• Posted by: patriot6908 - Jul. 29, 2010 9:07 AM ET USA

  As with the various priests senates and associations in the US, this one is bound to also empty even more pews. Nothing like progress to destroy the Church.