3 Comments
Protestors from Newry joined in a peaceful protest opposing the genocide in Gaza at the end of 11am Mass yesterday 1 December in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland.
The protestors, members of a new group called Christians4Palestine silently walked to the altar and back around the aisles, holding placards opposing the genocide in Gaza. Over 30 people from Protestant and Catholic communities took part. It was the first action taken by the newly formed group, which is demanding that Christian churches in Ireland unequivocally condemn Israeli genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid against the Palestinian people.
Spokesperson Deirdre Murphy said that the group believed the Christian Church in Ireland had betrayed Christian values with its silence on the genocide. Deirdre said: “When Russia invaded Ukraine the Protestant and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh, the birthplace and heart of Irish Christianity, came out quickly, clearly and powerfully to condemn the ‘abuse of power’ by Russia and asked us to support the Ukrainian people in every way we can. For 14 months we have marched and rallied, protesting the daily crimes against humanity suffered by the people of Gaza at the hands of Israel and waited in vain for the Christian Church here to respond with equal condemnation of Israel."
The groups Spokesperson said that they have lost patience "All we are asking is for the Church to uphold basic Christian values, to stand with the oppressed, and to counter these horrific crimes against humanity with all the power at its disposal. When we ask the question, ‘What would Jesus have done?’ We know he would not be silent in the face of genocide. We made sure our protest was as dignified as possible and did not threaten anyone and were delighted and encouraged that many in the congregation were supportive, as shown by their very generous donations to Palestine Aid Ireland afterwards. We call on Christians throughout the island of Ireland to support our campaign for peace, justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.”
Many Placards were on display with messages including '‘Suffer little Childen’. 20,000 murdered and rising', 'Jesus was a Palestinian', 'Your silence betrays Palestinians' as well as some showing images of Palestinian children who were victims of the genocide, such as six-year-old Hind Rajab, whose agonising ordeal, sitting in a car surrounded by murdered family members, was recorded until she too was murdered by Israeli soldiers.
Newry.ie has asked the Archdiocese for comment.
.
