You really couldn’t make it up. Trainee Roman Catholic priests could face curbs on their internet usage after it was revealed that there has been use of gay dating app ‘Grindr’ in Ireland’s main seminary.
Ireland’s Catholic top brass voiced major concerns about what it called an “unhealthy atmosphere” at St Patrick’s College in Maynooth, Co Kildare, and ordered a review of the “appropriate use of the internet and social media”.
This comes in the wake of remarks earlier this month by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, about “strange goings-on” at the 221-year-old seminary.
A Real Crisis
Martin is so worried that he has gone as far as sending his students from the Dublin area to Rome for training, instead of Maynooth which is just down the road.
The Archbishop spoke of an “atmosphere” at the college following a number of allegations about a “gay culture” made in letters and on social media, and real concerns about “promiscuous sexuality”.
Interviewed about his concerns were he told RTE Radio: “One is that there is a homosexual, a gay culture; that students have been using an app called Grindr, which is a gay dating app.
“[That] would be inappropriate for seminarians, not just because they are trained to be celibate priests but because an app like that is something which would be fostering promiscuous sexuality, which is certainly not in any way the mature vision of sexuality one would expect a priest to understand.”
Well it seems that the story is gaining traction, with the church holding crisis talk to find out what the hell is going on.
In a statement, the Catholic Church in Ireland have promised a review of whistleblowing procedures and internet and social media use policies.
They are now going to ask bishops to set up a group to look at the “pastoral needs” of seminarians, and will encourage more contact with women, and lay people in general.
“Acknowledging the recent and extensive media coverage regarding the college, and the disquiet that it has caused amongst the faithful, the trustees emphasise that the Church has clear instructions on the formation of seminarians,” they said.
“It is essential that these are observed in order to form priests ‘after the heart of the Good Shepherd’.
“There is no place in a seminary community for any sort of behaviour or attitude which contradicts the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.
“The trustees share the concerns about the unhealthy atmosphere created by anonymous accusations together with some social media comments which can be speculative or even malicious.
“Persons with specific concerns are encouraged to report them appropriately as soon as possible.”
Where Do I Begin?
Well, I am not sure where to begin. I remain to be convinced that spending time with women will make you less likely to have sex with men, in much the same way that I doubt spending time with men will make you want to have sex with them more.
What I do know is that being celibate, for most is unrealistic and unnecessary. If we want our priests to be rounded individuals, why can’t we let them have relationships? I would much rather a priest be married, rather than some repressed sex abuser. Let us keep things in perspective please.
Also, I find the whole catholic church/homosexuality thing a bit dated. Yes, I understand that if the church is against homosexuality, it does look a bit daft and hypocritical when you have trainee priests using gay dating apps. But why can’t the church come into the 21st century and accept homosexuality? Surely love is more important than outdated doctrine?
Until then, we will have a quiet laugh at this ‘scandal’. Though I respect so much of what the church does (I come from a family who has faith) they really do find a way to make themselves look daft every now and again!
Since then, he has specialised in articles on the battle for equal rights for sex workers, sexual health, as well as bringing the readers fun news from around the world. He also has a major interest in LGBT rights, and is an active campaigner in this field.
When he isn't fighting the good fight, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and young daughter. He also enjoys reading and taking long walks.
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