The Archdiocese for Catholic Bishops in Ireland has said it is ‘disappointed’ at a pro-Palestine protest held during a service at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday.
The protest was held by a group of “cross community Christians” aiming to highlight the silence from the “Christian Church in Ireland”.
Around 30 members of the group named ‘Christians4Palestine’ silently walked to the altar before positioning themselves at the back of the cathedral holding signs that opposed the war in Palestine.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese said the church sympathise with the struggle of Gazans and were disappointed with the protest that disrupted the Sunday service.
They 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.”
They added the bishops have “encouraged humanitarian help for Gaza and the Middle East” and Archbishop Martin has previously urged the international community against the blocking of aid to the people of Gaza in his 2024 New Year peace message.
“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,” added the Archdiocese.
The newly formed Christian4Palestine group made their first move protesting at St Patrick’s Cathedral after said they had “lost patience”.
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Deirdre Murphy, a spokesperson from Christians4Palestine, said: “When we ask the question, ‘What would Jesus have done?’ We know he would not be silent in the face of genocide.
“We made sure our protest was as dignified as possible and did not threaten anyone and were delighted and encouraged that many in the congregation were supportive, as shown by their very generous donations to Palestine Aid Ireland afterwards.
“We call on Christians throughout the island of Ireland to support our campaign for peace, justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.”
They claimed the Church’s in Ireland have offered an imbalanced response when compared to their condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ms Murphy added: “When Russia invaded Ukraine the Protestant and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the birthplace and heart of Irish Christianity, came out quickly, clearly and powerfully to condemn the ‘abuse of power’ by Russia and asked us to support the Ukrainian people in every way we can.
“For 14 months we have marched and rallied, protesting the daily crimes against humanity suffered by the people of Gaza at the hands of Israel and waited in vain for the Christian Church here to respond with equal condemnation of Israel.”
News Catch Up: Monday 2nd December