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Armagh Archdiocese is disappointed that a protest disrupted Mass celebrations on Sunday at Armagh Cathedral by a new group called Christians4Gaza and have said that it was inappropriate to disrupt the sacred liturgy. In a statement a spokesperson for the Archdiocese said Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken out frequently on the loss of life in Gaza and that the inhumane conflict in Gaza needs prayers and concrete action at all levels.
A group of around 30 protestors silently walked up the centre aisle and down side aisles with placards following Communion at the 11am Mass on Sunday 1 December.
The spokesperson said “While we are very sympathetic to the plight of the people of Gaza, and of all victims of war and violence throughout the world, it was very disappointing that a group of protesters chose to disrupt the celebration of Mass in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, on Sunday morning, just as parishioners had received Holy Communion. At a personal level, and together with the other Irish bishops, Archbishop Eamon Martin has spoken out strongly and frequently on the issue of the horrific devastation and loss of life in Gaza, most recently in the Bishops’ Conference’s pre-election statement* of two weeks ago (a simple internet search will provide access to these statements)."
The spokesperson added "The bishops have also encouraged humanitarian help for Gaza and the Middle East through locally based charitable outreach, and through Trócaire's ongoing special appeal. In his 2024 New Year Peace message, Archbishop Martin highlighted this issue urging the international community to consider if war crimes are being committed with the merciless bombardment of civilians and the effective blocking of humanitarian aid to the defenceless people of Gaza. The appalling situation in Gaza needs prayers and concrete action at all levels to end this inhumane conflict. Disrupting the sacred liturgy in any way is upsetting and an inappropriate form of protest."
The spokesperson highlighted a 2024 General Election statement from the Irish Bishops' which said "The war in Gaza and the Middle East must stop now. Enough is enough! The plight of the people of the region is horrendous. So too is the inability of the international community to act to bring about a ceasefire and a longer-term solution to the questions involved. Similarly, the international community has a role to play in bringing peace to Ukraine and to other areas of conflict in our world, including Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen. War, militarisation and the proliferation of arms, is a stain on our humanity. Pope Francis reminds us that throughout the Bible, justice, peace and faith go together. He invites us to oppose a culture of cruelty and war and, instead, always promote a culture of peace and bear witness to human solidarity and love."
