University removes priest who hosted rosary of reparation for gay pride parade

Glasgow, Scotland, Jul 19, 2018 / 14:42 pm

A Catholic priest in Glasgow has been removed as a university chaplain after hosting a rosary of reparation for the city's gay pride parade.

Father Mark Morris, who served as Catholic chaplain at Glasgow Caledonian University's faith and belief center as well as a parish priest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Balornock, hosted a 'Rosary of reparation for the gross offence to God which is Pride Glasgow' at the parish.

The July 16 Rosary service was held in response to a gay pride event in the city on July 14.

After complaints from LGBT groups, University principal Pamela Gillies announced that "Following due consultation, Father Mark Morris will not return to his chaplaincy role at the university in September," the BBC reported.

"The university will work with the Archdiocese of Glasgow to ensure the continued provision of chaplaincy support for staff and students at our faith and belief centre when the new term starts," she said.

A university spokesperson cited a commitment to "supporting equality and diversity on campus," the Scottish Catholic Observer reported.

The GCU Catholic community issued a statement on Facebook voicing full support for and solidarity with Morris and asking the university to reconsider its dismissal of the priest.

"It is frankly abhorrent that a Catholic Priest would be dismissed from his post as a Catholic chaplain for merely reaffirming the teachings of the Catholic Faith," the statement said.

The Catholic community described Morris as a "faithful priest who has served our community with joy, dignity, and a smiling face for many years now." He is both clear and charitable in presenting the truth of Church teaching, and is "well-loved by the students," they said.

The statement voiced concern that Catholic beliefs "are not valued or respected at the university chaplaincy" and noted that the Rosary hosted by Morris was a parish event, not part of his chaplaincy duties.

"In line with Church teaching, Fr Morris has made it clear on many occasions that homosexual persons are called to a life of chastity. In no way does this mean that homosexual persons are not welcome here at the chaplaincy, nor does it mean that they have fallen short of the love of God," the university's Catholic community said.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow said it "is aware of the University's decision and will address the provision of chaplaincy support in due course," the Scottish Catholic Observer reported.