Irish Examiner View: Modern massgoers reject callous preaching

Fr Seán Sheehy has inadvertently opened a wider debate in sticking to his guns — a debate on what Christian faith really means.

Fr Seán Sheehy said Mass in a Listowel church over the weekend, criticising the promotion of abortion and transgenderism. Picture: Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD

The markers of a changed Ireland can vary according to one’s opinions and perspective, but there can be no doubt that the reaction to Fr Seán Sheehy’s comments at a Mass in Listowel, Co Kerry, last week suggests a citizenry unwilling to accept hatefulness as doctrine.

Fr Sheehy’s sermons last weekend criticised the HSE for promoting promiscuity, adding that sex between men and between women was a sin, and that sexual sin was rampant. He was also critical of the promotion of abortion and transgenderism.