Tony Flannery

Silenced priest Fr Tony Flannery launched his ‘A Question of Conscience’ book, which tells how his progressive views on the future of the Catholic Church have left him threatened with excommunication. Fr Flannery launched his new book ‘A Question of Conscience’ with communications expert and RTE broadcaster Bill O’Herlihy  in the Royal Hibernian Academy.

‘A Question of Conscience’, published by Londubh, tells the story of how Fr Flannery was summoned to Rome in June 2012 to be told that unless he revised his view that the church should be open to discussing subjects such as homosexuality and celibacy, he would not be allowed to minister as a priest and he would have to step down from his leadership role with the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP).

The very strong intervention by former president, Mary McAleese, on the subject of Catholic teaching on homosexuality has certainly caused a stir. Along with initiating very necessary discussion on Catholic Church teaching and attitudes towards gay people, the succeeding days since her intervention have clearly highlighted some of the difficulties surrounding any form of dialogue between the differing views in the Church. Pope Francis has signalled that he wants this dialogue and discussion to take place; he talks about “an open Church where everyone can share”.

The ‘Sunday Times’ of 8 December 2013 has an article by Justine McCarthy on Veritas and its refusal to stock Tony Flannery’s book.

Our association’s AGM had passed a proposal on this issue. However, there was no adequate response to the  ACP’s letter. All we seem to know now is that the decision at Veritas was a management decision (whoever they are!)

A few points:

1. I’m embarrassed by such a ridiculous decision in regard to Tony’s book.