The Bishop of Kerry has insisted the priests' comments "“do not represent the Christian position”.
Retired priest Fr Seán Sheehy is at the centre of controversy this week after delivering a sermon in which he said that sex between two men and two women was a sin and that transgenderism was “lunatic”. He also referred to the “promotion of abortion” as sinful.
A number of people left the mass which took place on Sunday in Listowel, Co. Kerry as a result of the comments, to which Fr Sheehy responded “
those of you who happen to be leaving today, God help you is all I have to say.” Parents of altar servers at the church and whose children attended the masses
are also said to be very upset.
In a
statement shared on the diocese of Kerry website, Bishop Ray Browne said he was aware of the "deep upset and hurt" caused by the sermon:
I am aware of the deep upset and hurt caused by the contents of the homilies in question delivered over the weekend. I apologize to all who were offended. The views expressed do not represent the Christian position. The homily at a regular weekend parish Mass is not appropriate for such issues to be spoken of in such terms. I regret that this has occurred while a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land is taking place.
In an interview with Radio Kerry earlier this week. Fr Seán Sheehy said he stands over his comments.
As a result, the priest is now being removed from the mass roster in Listowel.
Header image via Twitter/shanemcauliffe1
READ NEXT: Grand National winning horse is brought for a pint in a Carlow pub
