Report from Changing Attitude UK
Bishop of Cork Takes Part in IDAHO DAY Service at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork
The Bishop of Cork, the Rt. Revd. Paul Colton took part in the IDAHO DAY service at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral Cork last Sunday (17th May) to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, which was arranged by the Christian pro-gay group Changing Attitude Ireland. Also taking part were the Very Rev. Nigel Dunne, Dean of Cork, Dr Richard O’Leary of Changing Attitude Ireland and Ms Dolores Mannion who gave the address at the service.
According to Dr Richard O’Leary of Changing Attitude Ireland:
“Homophobia is an issue for Irish society generally, but even more so in churches, where there has been a tradition of prejudice against persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. While many churches in Ireland can be commended for addressing racism, they have been reluctant so far to challenge or even to recognize the existence of homophobia.
Senator David Norris at the IDAHO DAY Service at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin
Senator David Norris gave the address at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin last Sunday (17th May) for the IDAHO DAY service to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, which was arranged by the Christian pro-gay group Changing Attitude Ireland. Also taking part were the Revd. Norma McMaster, Very Rev. Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church and Revd. Mervyn Kingston of Changing Attitude Ireland.
In his address at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Senator Norris stated that:
“No Christian Church has ever told the truth about human sexuality. It is time for the Church not only to change its attitude but to acknowledge the sinfulness of its dealings with gay people. Theology itself is not guiltless, a specialized language has been forged which is out of touch with everyday reality and common sense. He added that “In Ireland we have the ludicrous situation that the Christian Churches sought and were granted an exemption from equality legislation. One might well question how it is in the spirit of Christ to do this or how it is tolerable in the aftermath of the Ferns Report”.
