Martin Hits Media for "Tarnishing Good Priests with Actions of Some"

By Sarah Mac Donald
Irish Independent
April 18, 2014

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/martin-hits-media-for-tarnishing-good-priests-with-actions-of-some-30196896.html

The senior clergyman said many priests and lay people had been left hurt by a cartoon based on the current controversy over the sanctity of the confessional.

"I am a strong believer in freedom of speech and of the vital role of satire in social criticism, but I object to anything that would unjustly tarnish all good priests with the unpardonable actions of some," the Archbishop said in his homily for the Chrism Mass in Dublin's Pro Cathedral.

In an affirmation of his clergy, Dr Martin stated that there are "great priests in the Archdiocese of Dublin."

CONCERN

The Archbishop took issue with a cartoon in the 'Irish Times' depicting three singing priests in front of a confessional – one of whom holds a copy of the Children First Bill.

The trio appear to be singing a line from a Meat Loaf song, warbling "I won't do that" in response to the mandatory reporting requirement for clerics. It refers to the controversy over the Children First Bill which makes the reporting of child sexual abuse or concerns about it mandatory for clergy, as well as other professionals dealing with children.

Some priests have expressed concern that the terms of the bill, taken in conjunction with the Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act, obligate Catholic priests to break the seal of confession if someone confesses abuse.

Fr Gearoid O'Donnchu, a retired parish priest in the diocese of Kerry, stated publicly this week that he will not break the seal of confession.