Cork: In a controversial incident within the Cloyne Diocese, Fr. Gabriel Burke denied Holy Communion to Colm Burke TD, a Minister of State, due to his support for the abortion law. The incident took place during a funeral service in Whitechurch, Blarney parish, on Friday, with three priests celebrating mass.
According to TD Burke, Fr. Burke refused to give him the sacrament when he approached for Communion. This was not the first time TD Burke had faced such an incident, recalling a previous occasion where he was denied Communion, initially attributing it to wearing a face mask during the pandemic. However, Fr. Burke clarified that the denial was due to TD Burke’s stance on the abortion law.
TD Burke regularly attends the local church and expressed shock at the denial, stating that, according to canon law, no priest has the authority to withhold Communion. Cloyne Diocesan Secretary Fr. Jim Moore confirmed the incident and mentioned that Bishop William Crean, who is currently ill, will be consulted next week.
Reaction from the Association of Catholic Priests
The Irish Catholic Priests’ Association condemned the incident, highlighting that public representatives, like all church members, should act according to their conscience. The association emphasised that it is not the role of the priest to judge another’s conscience, echoing Pope Francis’ sentiment that the Eucharist belongs to God, not the priest.
Background on the Abortion Law
Cork North Central TD Colm Burke voted in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment to the constitution, which legalised abortion in Ireland. The ACP pointed out that women in Ireland previously had to travel abroad for abortions, leading legislators and citizens to seek alternative solutions within the country.
This incident has sparked debate about the role of clergy in political matters and the boundaries of their authority in religious practices.
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