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13/09/2011
Former Bishop Call For End To Clerical Celibacy
The former Bishop of Derry, Dr Edward Daly, has claimed that there needs to be a place in the modern Catholic church for a married priesthood and has called for an end to clerical celibacy.
Dr Daly, 77, who was a bishop for almost 20 years and worked in Derry throughout the troubles, also said that many young men who considered joining the priesthood turned away because of the celibacy rule.
A photograph, showing the then priest waving a white handkerchief on Bloody Sunday, has become one of the most enduring images of the troubles.
Appearing on BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme to speak about his new book, A Troubled See – in which he addresses such controversial issues - Bishop Daly said allowing clergymen to marry would ease the Church's problems.
He commented: "There will always be a place in the church for a celibate priesthood, but there should also be a place for a married priesthood in the church.
"I think priests should have the freedom to marry if they wish. It may create a whole new set of problems but I think it's something that should be considered."
While Dr Daly accepted that his views might be out of step with current Vatican thinking, he claimed he was "not engaged in a popularity contest."
The former bishop went on to say that he found it heartbreaking during his term as Bishop when priests or prospective priests were forced to resign or were simply unable to join the priesthood because of the celibacy rule.
"I'm worried about the decreasing number of priests and the number of older priests. I think it's an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently."
(JG/GK)
Dr Daly, 77, who was a bishop for almost 20 years and worked in Derry throughout the troubles, also said that many young men who considered joining the priesthood turned away because of the celibacy rule.
A photograph, showing the then priest waving a white handkerchief on Bloody Sunday, has become one of the most enduring images of the troubles.
Appearing on BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme to speak about his new book, A Troubled See – in which he addresses such controversial issues - Bishop Daly said allowing clergymen to marry would ease the Church's problems.
He commented: "There will always be a place in the church for a celibate priesthood, but there should also be a place for a married priesthood in the church.
"I think priests should have the freedom to marry if they wish. It may create a whole new set of problems but I think it's something that should be considered."
While Dr Daly accepted that his views might be out of step with current Vatican thinking, he claimed he was "not engaged in a popularity contest."
The former bishop went on to say that he found it heartbreaking during his term as Bishop when priests or prospective priests were forced to resign or were simply unable to join the priesthood because of the celibacy rule.
"I'm worried about the decreasing number of priests and the number of older priests. I think it's an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently."
(JG/GK)
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08 August 2016
Former Bishop Of Derry Dies
Former Bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, has died, aged 82. According to the Diocese of Derry he died "peacefully" this morning, 08 August. He was pictured waving a blood-stained handkerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims in 1972. Dr Daly was born in Belleek, County Fermanagh, in 1933. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Derry in 1957.
Former Bishop Of Derry Dies
Former Bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, has died, aged 82. According to the Diocese of Derry he died "peacefully" this morning, 08 August. He was pictured waving a blood-stained handkerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims in 1972. Dr Daly was born in Belleek, County Fermanagh, in 1933. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Derry in 1957.
09 August 2016
Book Of Condolence Opens For Former Bishop Edward Daly
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, has opened a Book of Condolence for former Bishop Edward Daly at the Guildhall in L'Derry. Dr Daly passed away on Monday, 08 August, after a long illness. He was pictured waving a blood-stained handkerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims in 1972. Ald.
Book Of Condolence Opens For Former Bishop Edward Daly
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, has opened a Book of Condolence for former Bishop Edward Daly at the Guildhall in L'Derry. Dr Daly passed away on Monday, 08 August, after a long illness. He was pictured waving a blood-stained handkerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims in 1972. Ald.
02 September 2013
Belfast Priest Returns To Duty
A west Belfast priest who was at the centre of a police investigation has returned to the ministry. Father Hugh Kennedy stepped down from his duties as administrator of St Peter's Cathedral in 2011. At the time, the Diocese said it referred information about Fr Kennedy to the PSNI in accordance with its child safeguarding procedures.
Belfast Priest Returns To Duty
A west Belfast priest who was at the centre of a police investigation has returned to the ministry. Father Hugh Kennedy stepped down from his duties as administrator of St Peter's Cathedral in 2011. At the time, the Diocese said it referred information about Fr Kennedy to the PSNI in accordance with its child safeguarding procedures.
10 March 2011
Priest Takes Leave Pending Abuse Probe
One of the most senior priests in the Down and Connor diocese has taken leave of his duties following allegations of abuse against him. The Diocesan Child Safeguarding office received the allegations in late January.
Priest Takes Leave Pending Abuse Probe
One of the most senior priests in the Down and Connor diocese has taken leave of his duties following allegations of abuse against him. The Diocesan Child Safeguarding office received the allegations in late January.
07 May 2010
Pope Accepts Bishops' Retirements
The Vatican has decided to let two top Irish Catholic clergymen retire. Pope Benedict accepted the resignations of the Bishop of Clogher, Joseph Duffy, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Francis Lagan. Rome said that both men offered their resignations as required by the Vatican on turning 75 years of age.
Pope Accepts Bishops' Retirements
The Vatican has decided to let two top Irish Catholic clergymen retire. Pope Benedict accepted the resignations of the Bishop of Clogher, Joseph Duffy, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, Francis Lagan. Rome said that both men offered their resignations as required by the Vatican on turning 75 years of age.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
