A parish priest in Ballina has accused Yes voters in the recent marriage-equality referendum of giving "two fingers" to the Catholic Church.
Fr Tom Doherty, a curate at St Patrick's Church in Ballina, used his sermons on the evening of May 23rd and 24th to state that the Yes vote meant the "barbarians are at the gate".
According to a report in the Western People, he asked massgoers to recite the Apostles' Creed only if they "felt the church had anything to offer".
The sermons caused offence to some who were there with one telling the newspaper that his words had a “chiding, condemnatory tone”.
Another told the paper: “Why was he chiding those in the pews who were clearly there because they did feel that the church had something to offer and did not need to be slapped in the face like that?”
Yes Equality supporter Louise Heneghan who attended one of the masses tweeted: "The outrage & disgust from locals in #Ballina after mass last week was well justified.#Marref.
"Despite #Marref passing some areas in Ireland have a very long way to go when it comes accepting people who voted YES."
Not meant to condemn
Fr Doherty defended his homily telling the Western People that it 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. It was also intended as a word of encouragement to those who were demoralised at the outcome of the referendum and it also was my wish to give a voice to those who felt forced or pressurised by family members into voting Yes at great pains to their conscience and what they held to be true and lasting values for the good of all.”
Fr Doherty was only ordained as a priest in November 2013. A native of Belmullet, Co Mayo, he received an honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Geography in 2007.
He entered the national seminary the same year and undertook his studies for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and also at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. He celebrated his first Mass on November 25th, 2013.
He could not be reached for comment.
