Irish clergy’s silence on Iraq is inexcusable
There seems to be an unwritten new rule that bishops must not become engaged in political matters, as if politics were the sole preserve of politicians, and no business of bishops, or even of the people.
Political corruption is one issue that Irish bishops should be addressing, but they have been largely silent on this for fear perhaps of being reminded of child sex abuse scandals.
Bishop Willie Walsh has been one of most outspoken and courageous spokespersons for the Irish Catholic clergy. However, he has been virtually silent, as have the vast majority of the Irish clergy (the Church of Ireland primate is one of the exceptions), on the most grievous moral and political issue since its foundation of the State - our participation in the Iraq war through Bishop Walsh’s own backyard, Shannon airport.
He allowed Travellers to use his front lawn thereby giving a strong moral and social message to his flock in Co Clare. Remaining silent on US military and CIA use of Shannon airport, however, is inexcusable given that this has been an important factor in the unlawful killing of over 100,000 Iraqi people, and in facilitating torture.
This moral failure applies not only to the Irish clergy, but also to all Irish people who consider that economic interests are more important than the deaths of over 40,000 children in Iraq.
Bishop Walsh and other clergy in Co Clare were invited to a multi-denominational prayer service at Shannon just before Christmas last. This was intended to commemorate the innocents killed in Iraq and the recent deaths of two Irish peace activists.
Not one member of the clergy agreed to attend, and the service was cancelled. There was no room on the front lawn of compassion.
Some people still choose to deny the Holocaust. Now many Irish people wish to deny Ireland’s participation in crimes against humanity.
Edward Horgan
Newtown
Castletroy
Co Limerick
