Church full of pride is happy to reach out to gay community

Rev Brian O’Rourke tells Colette Sheridan why his Cork parish believes that treating gay people equally is the right thing to do

A VERY understanding parish supports the rector of St Anne’s Church in Shandon in holding religious services for Cork’s gay community. Last night, as part of the Cork Gay Pride Festival, Rev Brian O’Rourke officiated at the church’s annual service of remembrance, now in its fifth year.

He also holds a service on May 17 for IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) as well as a carol service at Christmas for the gay community. The vision statement of St Anne’s says: “We are committed to taking all people seriously — married and single people, gay and straight, those who have a natural faith and those who struggle with belief.”