Outspoken Irish cleric Father Tony Flannery has admitted he faces excommunication from the church for backing the rights of women to become priests.
The 66-year-old priest has told a Dublin press conference that he is considering legal action against the Vatican after he was silenced.
Catholic Church leaders disciplined Father Flannery over his outspoken views last year.
He was also told that he will only be allowed to return to ministry if he ends his leadership of the Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland.
A noted commentator on religious matters, Flannery told the media that he is being forced to choose between Rome and his conscience.
The Irish Independent reports that the priest, who joined the Redemptorists in 1964, is taking legal advice under canon and civil law.
Fr Flannery added that the ban on him ministering, which was imposed by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), will continue until he fulfils the terms laid down by Rome.
Read more: Irish priest to break silence order from the Vatican at Dublin press conference
The terms include the publication of an article that has been pre-approved by the CDF and accepting that the Catholic Church can never ordain women.
He is quoted in the Irish Independent as saying that he must also accept the church’s stance on contraception and homosexuality and its refusal of the sacraments to people in second relationships.
Breaking the ban to speak to the media, Fr Flannery said: “I have served the church, the Redemptorists and the people of God for two-thirds of my life.
“I have in good conscience raised issues I believed important for the future of the church in books and essays largely read by practising Catholics, rather than raising them in mainstream media.
“I’m hardly a major and subversive figure within the church deserving excommunication.”
He told the conference that he will step down from the leadership of the ACP which numbers more than 1,000 Irish priests.
Read more news on the Catholic Chruch
He said he does not want to have his circumstances blurred with the association’s agenda.
The ACP released a statement saying that it believed the ‘targeting of Fr Flannery’ is not about church teaching but part of a worldwide effort to negate the influence of independent priests’ associations.
Fr Helmut Schuller, the leader of the Austrian Priests’ Initiative, a reform-minded group similar to the ACP, described Fr Flannery’s treatment as ‘a scandal’ in the article.
A statement from the Irish Redemptorist Community said: “Although not all Redemptorists would accept Fr Flannery’s views, we understand and support his efforts to listen carefully to and at times to articulate the views of people he encounters in the course of his ministry.”
Read More: Dissident Irish priest fears excommunication over views on women priests
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.warlocks | Jan 22, 2013, 12:57 PM EST
It's Time for the Catholic Church to to come out of the dark ages. There is nothing in the Bible that states women can't be priests that is only a man made law as well as Roman Catholic priests can't marry . its nothing but poppy cock ! Mary Magdalen was the First apostle of the Apostles. Jesus love her more then any other Apostle The Catholic Church has been trying to cover the fact for almost 2000 years. The church is still treating women as second class citizens. its time for the Corruption to stop at the Vatican . is it any wonder why the church is in Decay and failing This is not the Same church Jesus & his Brother James started.
falconflash | Jan 22, 2013, 09:44 AM EST
Fr. Flannery is unwittingly leading Irish away from the Church, as kids can say, "Hey, even the priests don't like the "rules. Maybe, like Fr. Flannery I can make my own mind up about abortion and other issues."
merefalow | Jan 22, 2013, 09:17 AM EST
sorry further to the role of women,i shudder every time i get on a plane with a woman pilot which isnt often,thank goodness,especially as last week some woman pilot refused to divert somewhere because she had a TAKEAWAY ORDERED,oh my god,as you may have gathered i am not a believer but like on SAUDI air lines they always start the flight with a prayer,whenever i have a woman pilot i b.... pray to.i dont want some woman powdering her nose prior to landing when she,s landing a jumbo,sorry girls,its just my point of view.and i,m not misogynist before i get slaughtered,i realy like women as long as they are doing something usefull like pole dancing or cooking.
merefalow | Jan 22, 2013, 08:33 AM EST
we have enough priests mullahs witch doctors causing confusion and trouble in this world without adding a bunch of hysterical women,the only reason to have another bunch of fantasist fairy tale believers in the church is to relieve a bunch of choir boys from the threat of buggery.
EphraimKibbey | Jan 21, 2013, 11:59 PM EST
Will Hamilton - Read Josephus, the Jewish General/Roman Historian, on Jesus and Pontius Pilate to clarify in your mind that Jesus did exist. Only faith can guide you as to his relationship to God but there is ample historical evidence that the Man walked the earth, stirred things up for Pilate and was crucified. Eiriamach - Do they really not believe in historical facts or are they so scared that they might have believed lies all their lives that their brains just freeze up?
irishpjk | Jan 21, 2013, 08:08 PM EST
wtf. When you take your vows you agree to follow the teachings of Christ and follow the laws of the Church. The laws of our Roman Catholic Church come from Rome. If you think they are making mistakes you are free to make your suggestions to Rome, some are accepted and some are not, just like the law of the land. Some of today’s Catholics including some priests want to decide what rules they will follow and what ones they don’t like, some of them even think they should be allowed to molest the children in their care. When Rome says no they go to the media to try and force their beliefs on the rest of us. Why not just get out and find a religion that has what you want? I will tell you why, because they are afraid that the Catholic Church might be right and they are afraid of ending up in hell, so they fight for change and at least if they go to hell they will bring a crowd with them. Remember it is better to be right alone than to be wrong with a thousand others. I don’t care how Fr Flannery leaves if he is kicked out by Rome or just decides to leave; he is like a cancer and must go. I happen to like my Roman Catholic Religion the way it is in fact I think it got a bit too liberal over the last twenty five years, and turning back the clock might be the way to go.
falconflash | Jan 21, 2013, 07:33 PM EST
single don...are you saying that gays have ruined the church and are going to ruin the US military? That's a soft undermining of the two institutions the communists hate, American military and the Catholic Church,,, infiltrate with homos and watch them fall, could be a lot of truth there.
SingleDonald | Jan 21, 2013, 06:56 PM EST
I have been critical of some of eiriamach's past posts. However, I do believe in the validity of her last two. Father Flannery should not be excommunicated, if he supports the ordination of women priests, believes in contraception, or gives sacraments to people who have been divorced. Concerning homosexuality, the Church is one big hypocrite here! That 60 Minutes segment of about a decade ago, which I referenced here, revealed that the modern Catholic Church has become one big gay men's club (according to Mike Wallace), considering the orientation of most priests. To review the segment, a Jesuit seminarian unsuccessfully sued that order, over quid pro quo sexual harassment. Once they knew he was gay, he was expected to "do things", for the higher ups. He refused, and got nowhere in his quest to become a full fledged Jesuit. The judge was sympathetic, but sadly could not rule in his favor, as the Catholic Church is exempt from the sexual harassment laws. Well, at least straight Jesuits to be are not expected to "play along". If I joined that order, they would likely have me do personal favors, like cleaning the higher ups cars. You know something, I would be happy to clean their cars!!
Will Hamilton | Jan 21, 2013, 05:39 PM EST
Excommunicated! He should be crucified as an example! Of course that might be a problem later. In two thousand years his followers might have grown into a global religion and be called Flanneryians. At least their religion would be based on someone who had actually existed.
seanomelb | Jan 21, 2013, 05:39 PM EST
The work of Jesus was compromised by men who misused his teachings to establish a power base and reduce women to chattels.It is interesting to note that Jesus,mohammed and Abraham were great philosphers. If they were alive today they would be shocked as to how their philosophies are deliberately misinterpreted. Atheism is the only way. BTW who gave you the "god"given right to judge a persons moral compass.
Mortimer74 | Jan 21, 2013, 05:06 PM EST
Incidentally. does she - and her man-made "church" - also believe that Christ instructed us to kill unborn babies? Interesting video from Dana in regard to the latter: http://www.ewtnireland.com/Pages/CelticConnections19Jan2013.aspx
Mortimer74 | Jan 21, 2013, 05:05 PM EST
Oh dear, I think eiriamach has finally lost it. Apostles are very, very different to disciples. Apostles: 12. Men: 12. Women: 0. See a trend, anyone? Only the arrogant and bitter eiriamach could second guess Jesus Christ. But the "as long as the Roman Catholic Church claims to be Christian" comment is the one that makes me believe her elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.
falconflash | Jan 21, 2013, 04:39 PM EST
Jimsales74, just curious,are you pro choice? Just trying to get an idea of your moral compass.
eiriamach | Jan 21, 2013, 04:21 PM EST
People, try to understand: Jesus did not scorn women. His appointed apostolic teacher was Mary Magdalen, and he welcomed women among his disciples. His mother and other women shared the graces bestowed by the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension. Christ established no ritual or rules for ordaining priests or bishops. Nor is any to be found in the New Testament. The Vatican has persisted in this error (I'm being charitable; many would call it a self-serving lie) for far too long. The criticism of this archaic sexism will not go away, not as long as the Roman Catholic Church claims to be Christian. Christians must correct the errors of our "separated brethren"! Christ instructed us to do that.
Mortimer74 | Jan 21, 2013, 03:59 PM EST
People, try to understand: Jesus did not appoint women. His chosen apostles were men. Women have had important roles in Church history. One was called the Virgin Mary. Many are saints. But women will never be priests. It's a constitutive element of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and no Pope can change it because Christ established it. So, it's very simple: if you don't like the teachings of the true Church, founded by Jesus Christ, then go join one of the protestant churches or sects, founded by men. There were about 30,000 of them when I began writing this post. Probably a couple hundred more by now. Worldwide the Church is flourishing and welcoming home the many who want to return to the true Church. Beware false prophets, my friends.
petbra | Jan 21, 2013, 03:31 PM EST
So what? Break away from those poxy,pervy, medieval Shariasts.
eiriamach | Jan 21, 2013, 03:15 PM EST
Nearly a century after First Vatican Council defined church authority, Second Vatican Council defined freedom of conscience in its indispensable connection with the life of the spirit. If "formed conscience" must be, by definition, obedient to a human moral authority despite obvious errors of that "authority," then there is NO properly formed conscience; there is ONLY mindless obedience. Vatican II's 'Dignitate Humanae' corrected this over-emphasis on obedience: "This Vatican Council likewise professes ... that it is upon the human conscience that ... obligations fall and exert their binding force. The truth cannot impose itself except by virtue of its own truth, as it makes its entrance into the mind at once quietly and with power.... On his part, man perceives and acknowledges the imperatives of the divine law through the mediation of conscience. In all his activity a man is bound to follow his conscience in order that he may come to God, the end and purpose of life. It follows that he is not to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his conscience. Nor, on the other hand, is he to be restrained from acting in accord with his conscience, especially in matters religious.... No merely human power can either command or prohibit acts of this kind." The highest form of obedience is Fr Flannery's conscientious obedience to truth and to God.
Jimsales74 | Jan 21, 2013, 02:54 PM EST
Personally, I gave up on the ridiculous Christian faith long ago, the reasons are that no church follows either Christ or the Scriptures even as they swear that the Bible is the immutable Word of God. Christians have been twisting what the Book says since they abandoned the true Sabbath day. This was done for one reason alone: to distance Christ, and the Church from the Jews. For over 1800 years, every Christian has broken the Sabath of God as written in the Scriptures that Christ Himself held as truth. IF you believe that the Bible IS the Word of God, then Father Tony Flannery, is absolutely correct. The Bible is quite clear on the matter. Now if you really do believe in your Christ, how can you ignore His warnings to NOT follow false priests that will lead you into the pit? No doubt that is Flannerys position. God said no Female priests, who are these men to say that He was wrong? And if He is wrong, than nothing in the Book is sacrosanct. I am no atheist, but a non-denominational Pagan, because No one really believes that the Bible is immutable when political expediency is put before it. May the Gods bless you.
mreinhar2001 | Jan 21, 2013, 02:45 PM EST
He only has to choose between Rome and his views as a priest. Lay Catholics can freely express their views. If he believes in his vows as a priest (just as did Yves Congar and Marie Chenu, et al, did) then he should just remain silent.
pilib04 | Jan 21, 2013, 02:44 PM EST
Ratzinger needs to retire. Having a former Nazi Youth member as pope was always a bad idea. Having a Cardinal who hides child rapists is unacceptable.
falconflash | Jan 21, 2013, 02:07 PM EST
The only thing that a priest accomplishes by voicing his dissent is to drive young Catholics from the Church and that is why liberals love this stuff....
IowaMike | Jan 21, 2013, 11:48 AM EST
This former Catholic priest might want to read up on 'Latae Sententiae' because he has already suffered self-excommunications. I continue to be amazed that dissident clergy including priests and the LCWR believe they know better than Christ's Church, that they believe the 2,000 year old Church will simply abandon Scripture, Apostolic Tradition, infallible Papal pronouncements [Ordinatio Sacerdotalis] and the constant teaching of the Magesterium because why? What revelation or inspiration would drive them to take these heretical positions? Oh yea, their personal conscience. But wait....the only well formed conscience is one that is formed in communion with the Church's teachings...oops that's a problem for these dissenters. Finally I suggest they study up on 'invincible ignorance' because when they die and stand before The Lord for judgment if they can't claim it they will suffer God's justice. They can't claim it because they have been taught the truth and have decided to reject it . In my opinion the Church should boot any member of clergy who cannot bring themselves to accept the doctrines of the Church as defined by the Declarations of Vatican I, Session 3, Chapter 3, paragraph 8. Rant over.....sorry if you eyes burn.
Ms.Gail | Jan 21, 2013, 11:29 AM EST
He does not belong to the RC church as it stands. I am sure he is sad about this and holds many beliefs in common with the RC church. He would be better off acknowledging what is what and getting on with his life. The RC church will change or die in their own time. They have changed before, they may again. Those of us who disagree with the RC church, and believe that children and women should not be abused and harmed in the name of Jesus the Christ, must do as we must.
LouJApa | Jan 21, 2013, 11:06 AM EST
Being a descendent is against a Religious' direct VOWS of OBEDIENCE to the MAGISTERIUM of The Roman Catholic Church and The Pope....hence, as was the case with Martin Luther, you risk EXCOM.!....lja/JMJ
kubs | Jan 21, 2013, 10:45 AM EST
It seems that administratively & structurally, it could create major headaches for the Vatican to create housing & services for female priests thruout the world. If that is what the problem is, then why not just say so; there are many parishes that would be glad to make accomodations to help in this process. However, if the Church Is reluctant because It would seem duplicitous in reversing Its stance due to the ancient male-oriented & dominant interpretations of single statements in the Writings, then I believe the membership is ready to forgive & understands that the Church has reversed Itself numerous times in the past. When the reversal is just, the change can benefit. If stagnation continues to occur, then what once was said about the Holy Roman Empire can be said about the Church: that it is becoming neither Holy, nor Roman nor the world empire of faith it would like to claim that it is.
CitizenWhy | Jan 21, 2013, 10:23 AM EST
Of course he should be excommunicated. It's the Caesaro-Papal church of blind (and mute) obedience and that will not change. They will be doing this honest man a favor by excommunicating him.
PhlutiePhan | Jan 21, 2013, 10:13 AM EST
Obviously, St. Patrick left a few snakes behind.
falconflash | Jan 21, 2013, 10:05 AM EST
Flannery is making a big show on a side issue, woman priests. Tell the liberal media, tell us all how you feel about abortion. If you do so the liberal media may not back you anymore, but that would be a more honest approach to your issues, Father.
CharlieM | Jan 21, 2013, 10:05 AM EST
The Church cannot show this heretic the door fast enough for me. Tom is entitled to his opinions, confused as they are. He is NOT entitled to pretend by wearing a Roman collar that those opinions represent anything more than his own delusions.
charlesm | Jan 21, 2013, 09:48 AM EST
Bravo to Fr. Tom! He should embrace excommunication as a blessing, freeing him from a disfunctional church which has strayed FAR from the life and teachings of Jesus. He can surely do much more good ministering outside the straight jacket of the whimsical 'laws' of the current Catholic church. So sad that this fine prophetic and visionary church has been reduced to a tiny men's club so disengaged from society.
markday | Jan 21, 2013, 09:47 AM EST
IN a recent post on this topic, someone ciritizied Flannery, saying that if you don't play by the rules, you should stay out of the game. Well, it seems that the first rule of the church is love and respect, especially for women and children. The last two popes have played a major role in coverups of sexual abuse of children, and many bishops have turned a blnd eye to this problem. All these men are guilty of crimes. So before they case aspersions at Tony Flannery, Roy Bourgois or anyone else, they need to clean up their own house, and the colossal mess they created. And they're not gonna do it. So the laity, priests associations, everyone needs to organize and resist these charlatans.
writemaggie | Jan 21, 2013, 09:26 AM EST
Soon the church will only have 'Yes men' and those too stubborn to accept facts