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CV NEWS FEED // While acknowledging that the situation in Gaza needs prayers and action, the Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland, said in a statement that a pro-Palestinian protest which interrupted a local Mass this weekend was “very disappointing.”
According to an online news page in Armagh I, some 30 people participating in the protest, organized by Christians4Palestine, entered St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh Dec. 1, shortly after the congregation had received the Eucharist. The protestors walked down the center of the church, holding signs that had messages such as “Thou shalt not kill, except for Palestinians,” according to Armagh I.
On Dec. 2, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Armagh explained that the Church does not condone such protesting.
“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,” the spokesperson said, according to Armagh I.
Armagh Archbishop Eamon Martin, both individually and with fellow bishops, “has spoken out strongly and frequently on the issue of the horrific devastation and loss of life in Gaza,” the spokesperson continued, adding that the bishops have promoted donating in support of humanitarian aid for those in Gaza and the Middle East.
Further, Archbishop Martin has previously “[urged] the international community to consider if war crimes are being committed with the merciless bombardment of civilians and the effective blocking of humanitarian aid to the defenceless people of Gaza,” the spokesperson said.
The circumstances do require taking prayer and action, but interrupting Holy Mass is not acceptable, the spokesperson reiterated: “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.”
