Irish nuncio ‘refuses’ to meet reform group

The Papal nuncio to Ireland has been strongly criticised by censured Redemptorist priest Fr Tony Flannery (pictured), over his continued refusal to meet representatives of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), writes Sarah Mac Donald.

The ACP, of which Fr Flannery is a co-founder, calls for debate and reform around issues affecting the Irish Church.

Fr Flannery said: “What is going on in a Church where the representative from Rome won’t speak to the priests – it is just so dysfunctional.”

Referring to the ACP membership of over 1,000 Irish priests, Fr Flannery told RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan programme: “We have looked for a meeting with the papal nuncio [Archbishop Charles Brown]; he refuses to meet us. He goes to every little dogfight around the country where there are a few pious Catholics gathered but he won’t meet an organisation representing 1,000 priests.”

In the same interview, Fr Flannery, who cannot exercise public ministry after the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith ruled that his views on the Eucharist and priesthood were heretical, also criticised the Irish bishops for their lack of support since he was censured in January 2012.

He revealed that not one Irish bishop has contacted him over the last four years.

“They have never shown me any element of support. They are in senior positions in an institution that is conducting affairs in a totally unjust and abusive fashion and they do nothing about it,” he said.

He said it was hard to have much faith in the Church after his experiences over the last four years, which he said demonstrated “how quickly you become an outsider in the Church”.

Asked why he did not leave the Church, the 69-year-old who now lives in his family home in Co. Galway, said he stayed because he remains very committed to the message of the Gospel.

Archbishop Brown did not respond to requests for comment.