​Archdiocese ‘disappointed’ at Palestinian protest during Mass

A group called Christians4Palestine held "a peaceful protest”, they said, at the end of 11am Mass in Armagh Cathedral.

Over 30 people, from the Protestant and Catholic communities in the north of Ireland, silently walked to the altar and back around the aisles, holding placards opposing the genocide in Gaza.

The newly-formed group said that this is the first action that they have taken, adding that they demand that Christian churches in Ireland “unequivocally condemn Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid against the Palestinian people”.

Spokesperson Deirdre Murphy said that the group believed the Christian Church in Ireland had betrayed Christian values with its silence on the genocide.

She said: “When Russia invaded Ukraine the Protestant and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the birthplace and heart of Irish Christianity, came out quickly, clearly and powerfully to condemn the ‘abuse of power’ by Russia and asked us to support the Ukrainian people in every way we can.

"For 14 months we have marched and rallied, protesting the daily crimes against humanity suffered by the people of Gaza at the hands of Israel and waited in vain for the Christian Church here to respond with equal condemnation of Israel.

horrific

"Finally, we have lost patience. All we are asking is for the Church to uphold basic Christian values, to stand with the oppressed, and to counter these horrific crimes against humanity with all the power at its disposal.”

She added that the group “made sure our protest was as dignified as possible and did not threaten anyone and were delighted and encouraged that many in the congregation were supportive, as shown by their very generous donations to Palestine Aid Ireland afterwards”.

In response a spokesperson for the Archdiocese said: “While we are very sympathetic to the plight of the people of Gaza, and of all victims of war and violence throughout the world, it was very disappointing that a group of protesters chose to disrupt the celebration of Mass in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, on Sunday morning, just as parishioners had received Holy Communion.”

They added that Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken out “strongly and frequently on the issue of the horrific devastation and loss of life in Gaza”.

"The bishops have also encouraged humanitarian help for Gaza and the Middle East through locally based charitable outreach, and through Trócaire's ongoing special appeal. In his 2024 New Year Peace message, Archbishop Martin highlighted this issue urging the international community to consider if war crimes are being committed with the merciless bombardment of civilians and the effective blocking of humanitarian aid to the defenceless people of Gaza.

"The appalling situation in Gaza needs prayers and concrete action at all levels to end this inhumane conflict. Disrupting the sacred liturgy in any way is upsetting and an inappropriate form of protest."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​