Riotous Authority

This morning I listened to a priest talking on radio. Priests in the media invariably conjure up one image. So it was refreshing to hear one as he was led through the exchange by the interviewer in a gentle fashion, being asked to discuss something other than allegations of child rape. Indeed, today, the priest in question was there because he was a victim rather than a perp.

His victimiser was not a rapist but a rioter. He was attacked while trying to calm a riotous situation and bring about a halt to what he claimed was ‘recreational rioting.’ His assailant was a youth who clearly objected to the priest’s intervention in riots. The attack on him was without justification and can advance no political cause. That it came during the annual Tour of the North is neither here nor there even though the tour is an exercise in triumphalism through the nationalist north of Belfast.

In his comments to the news item he featured on the priest charged that people just didn’t respect authority any more. There would appear to be truth in that but what authority does he have other than that of an average citizen? The authority of the average citizen is the type that has long been characterised as ‘when everybody is somebody nobody is anybody.’ It carries little weight.

As a priest he has no authority over anyone other than those who might wish to defer to him; something increasingly rare in modern Ireland. As an official of the Catholic Church he has no authority within society either unless it is over those who subscribe to that body of opinion which the church embodies; and then only in matters of reigious faith that do not violate societal law. He, as a church official, does not bear the authority of state in the sense that the police do. Nor is he an ‘expert’ in the field of recreational rioting like someone might, say, claim expertise in crowd psychology. So what authority does he possess that people might submit to?

There is a multitude of very good reasons as to why people should refrain from throwing stones at each other. The authority of a cleric commanding them to desist is hardly one of them. His authority to stop rioting is no greater or lesser than that of the average guy in the pub. And if the Friday night pub goer leaves his stool at the bar to tackle rioters, while his actions might be commendable, he is unlikely to strike chords of sympathy when he complains that those rioting did not respect his authority. We might wish it were otherwise but it isn't.

If the institution to which an individual belongs wishes to exert moral authority it must first have morals.

14 comments:

  1. excellent a cara,mind you if they brought back the penal days Id volunteer,I watched that clip and laughed my ass off arrogance of these people better of spendind their time hunting down the tail end gunners and perverts in their own ranks. keep of the good work

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  2. I read with great interest your total lack of interest in the authority of the Catholic church , I myself do not exactly support what the catholic church has got up to but when we all get into trouble priests don’t seem to be very far away .
    From studying most of the H Block and Hunger Strike period priests seem to have played a massive role either bringing in and out comms or very valuable contraband also if I am not mistaken one priest in particular actually brought to an end the Hunger strike something the IRA leadership seemed incapable of doing , although reading recent newspapers and posts the IRA leadership didn’t seem to know what was going on during this very sad time . So maybe we should think first before we all sit down and condemn people who have helped us. Maybe a society without religion would be the ideal situation but like most things in life we are stuck with it .

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  4. Kate said "Most of the 'caring' role of the church has been taken over by lay people, and voluntary organisations, and I can honestly say that I don't know one priest that would put his ass out to help anyone" and then later
    "theres still a need there for leadership on morals, and who else is going to do it if not the church?"

    Don't you think the law provides guidance on morals? The 5th commandment says "Thou shalt not kill" and the law says you go to prison if you do. Same with the 7th. As far as I can see modern communications and scientific advances have debunked many of the myths of the Church and laws since WWII have usurped its moral authority.
    As far as regards conceding automatic reverence, I have never in my life done it because I proceed along the lines that 1) we all have the same right to be here on this Earth because we were born 2) there is no one on this earth who is worth more than me and 3) there is no one who is worth less than me.
    Honour and respect given only where due and reverence never!! Alex

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  6. Hello Kate!!
    With regards to "morals and right and wrong will become norms within cultures rather than providing guidance for everybody"
    Fine, what's wrong with that? The upright citizen abides by the law of whatever land s/he is living in and campaigns to change what s/he doesn't like.
    Moral guidance for everyone sounds like the death knell for free thinkers.Alex

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  8. A priest has been assaulted by a rioter as he worked to calm tensions at an Orange march in Belfast on Friday.
    Father Gary Donegan, parish priest at Holy Cross, Ardoyne, was trying to stop youths throwing stones at police as the Tour of the North parade passed.
    One of the youths pushed and jostled him. Father Donegan said it showed a lack of respect for any authority.
    "Probably that young person doesn't recognise my authority or anybody else's for that matter," he said.
    "We don't want this. The community is tired of it. For a young person to come up and be involved in what is commonly known as recreational rioting is not acceptable."
    He said that a lot of work had been done to alleviate tension in the area in the run-up to the parade and to make the evening as peaceful as possible.
    Sinn Féin is blaming dissident republicans for minor skirmishes at the parade.

    Being a Roman Catholic and highly familiar with the Ardoyne interface I would have to state that this is a funny if nothing else exaggeration with a confused priest and an attempt to demonize the residents who protested the “authoritarian victory parade.”
    I say confused as he and I quote: "Probably that young person doesn't recognise my authority or anybody else's for that matter," What authority?
    I wonder if the priest actually asked the youth if he followed the teachings of the Catholic Church. If the youth is not a religious person then why would he have to take orders from the priest? Even if he is a follower what right does this priest have in confronting the youth?
    Strange how a man of God would not turn the other cheek or, does that rule only apply to the flock.
    Confronting a young man during a confrontation is only provoking another confrontation.
    Would the priest be offended if a cop said mass? I believe there had been ample security to ensure the trouble was minimal. The media reports the story of the priest being the victim rather than the community.
    The better approach would be to use the minor scuffle in a sermon as the priest has no right or authority to confront anyone.

    As for “interested” within the Catholic Church there have been many priests who helped all over the world, though there many who abused and continue to abuse their calling. The idea that they are an authority outside of saving souls is a stretch.
    The article is a valid argument challenging religious authority being a Catholic I don’t take it personal as it is an honest opinion.
    The irony I think God would approve of honesty. The shame a priest puts himself in a bad position and then expects to be seen as the victim.
    Have to side with the youngsters on this one as they are protesting the sectarian march.
    The priest speaks clearly about “his authority” perhaps a career change would be in order as the superstitious days have long past. Hardly showing tolerance or understanding to the youths, I have read the bible a few times and this priest would do well to lead by example not confrontation.
    Granted they are a part of the community but that does not give the Church ownership of people and the choices they make.
    Following the story I see it is the priest who has a problem his choice of word “authority” leads me to think he has low self esteem issues.
    Being an authority on religious matters does not entitle one to be an authority on civil matters.
    The stone throwing kids will in time see the action for what it is an outdated response to the marching and the important thing is these are youths.

    The priest alleges assault yet he approached the youth with his authoritarian attitude, the young man rebuked him with a shove and perhaps some names.
    Would the priest see it as vengeance if the young man is charged and gains a criminal record for a very unnecessary approach by the priest?
    Shame on the priest I have a few extra copies of the Bible if he needs one.i

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  9. I don't wish to prolong this discussion or desperately prove a point but do have a look at what a Catholic priest in Genoa thinks of the moral guidance offered by Italian bishops. Alex

    Why does the Catholic Church treat Berlusconi with kid gloves?
    https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/06/433104.html

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  11. This is the point I am making about moral guidance. Here is the article (divided into 3 parts as it is too long otherwise). Alex
    This (abbreviated) letter by Fr Paolo Farinella, priest and bible scholar in Genoa was sent to his bishop, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco. It examines the Berlusconi scandal from the point of view of a priest, asks and explains why the Catholic Church in Italy condones his behaviour http://www.repubblica.it/2009/06/sezioni/politica/berlusconi-divorzio-10/lettera-farinella/lettera-farinella.html

    My Lord Cardinal,

    We live in the same city and belong to the same church. You’re Bishop of Genoa and as Cardinal, Head of the Confederation of Italian Bishops. I’m a simple priest and I’m appealing both to the Cardinal and to the Bishop of Genoa, because your decisions directly involve the people of this city.
    I read the speech you made at the 39th General Assembly of the Confederation of Italian Bishops (24-29th May 2009) and watched your press conference on the 29th. I was struck by your fine detached attitude, or rather lack of attitude, towards the moral question - should I say immoral question - of our country. I’m talking about the Prime Minister’s conduct. He has now been clearly shown to consort with underage teenagers, swear by his children, govern by lies and falsification, plant falsehoods in the mass media he controls, and use calumny as a political weapon.

    Although these accusations are serious, the sources are trustworthy. His wife accused him publicly of “frequenting minors”, said he should be treated as “a sick man”, described him as a dragon to whom virgins had to be sacrificed. Interviews published in one Italian daily newspaper (only one, silence from the rest) and in the foreign press confirmed, beyond all reasonable doubt, that the prime minister lied openly to the nation, and continues to lie, about the judicial hearings he is implicated in and about the inaction of his government. One Court sentence certified he corrupted witnesses who had been called upon to testify and habitually lied in his private and public dealings. Yet he boasts of his Catholic morals: God, Motherland and Family.

    You, my Lord cardinal, represent the “magister” (teaching) of the Bishops and the Pope, as guarantors of the Catholic morality that focuses on Family and Individual principles. Neither you nor any other bishop has spoken out clearly against this man, this Head of Government who has dragged the Italian people into the morass of moral degradation, who has exalted the principles of seduction, force, criminal cunning and unrestrained selfishness. Blind, silent and unheeding, hidden in a cloud of incense that prevents you from seeing the raw truth, the Italian bishops preside over the moral break-up of the country. You used the same bland words to comment on refusing immigrants asylum, which contravenes all human rights and the ethics and social doctrine of the Catholic Church. But you kicked up the devil of a stir on civil rights for people who live together outside marriage. You campaigned against a referendum on the grounds that some supreme principles are not up for negotiation and now you have nothing to say except that your sweet little words are a message for everyone. That means a message for no one.

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  12. You, my Lord cardinal, represent the “magister” (teaching) of the Bishops and the Pope, as guarantors of the Catholic morality that focuses on Family and Individual principles. Neither you nor any other bishop has spoken out clearly against this man, this Head of Government who has dragged the Italian people into the morass of moral degradation, who has exalted the principles of seduction, force, criminal cunning and unrestrained selfishness. Blind, silent and unheeding, hidden in a cloud of incense that prevents you from seeing the raw truth, the Italian bishops preside over the moral break-up of the country. You used the same bland words to comment on refusing immigrants asylum, which contravenes all human rights and the ethics and social doctrine of the Catholic Church. But you kicked up the devil of a stir on civil rights for people who live together outside marriage. You campaigned against a referendum on the grounds that some supreme principles are not up for negotiation and now you have nothing to say except that your sweet little words are a message for everyone. That means a message for no one.

    Catholics and non-Catholics are confused or resigned. The confused think: don’t you imply absolution when you say that ethically speaking you “speak for every man”? This empty expression means you do not refer to anyone individually and that generally speaking you support morality (immorality) and safeguard your own interests. In the same interview I heard you asking for more money for church schools. Were you perhaps warning that if you didn’t get the money you were ready to abandon the present government and majority in parliament? Many Catholics are starting to leave the Church and donate to other denominations. You are no doubt aware that less money is being offered to the Catholic Church but you should realise this is the direct consequence of your lack of moral guidance. The Confederation of Italian Bishops has switched from prophecy to diplomacy and from truth to servility

    The resigned Catholics are in an even worse position. They think that if the Church does not condemn Berlusconi and Berlusconism there’s no problem. His sex-life and harem, his style of government based on falsehoods, lies and hatred of the opposition, doing anything to win, are all fine. Catholics vote for him and Catholic women are enchanted by a corruptor whose unscrupulous TV channels and newspapers degrade the morals of our people with ignobile, quarrelsome and immoral small screen models.

    For our people, you, the bishops who are silent and those who try to minimise personal responsibility, are co-responsible and complicit. The people have a saying: “the thief and the look-out are both robbers”. Why are you looking out for Berlusconi and his government? Why don’t you speak out and say our people are duped by the TV stations, 50% of which are owned by the Prime Minister and the other 50% controlled directly by him? Why don’t you comment of the conflict of interests which is over-riding the legal and ethical principles our country is founded on? Why carry on hand-in-hand with an immoral man who preaches the Catholic principles of the family and then gets divorced, remarries, is up for another divorce and surrounds himself with very young girls to arouse his senile lack of virility? Why don’t you say that as Catholics, pastors and guarantors of Catholic morality you want nothing to do with him? Why didn’t you excommunicate him when he sent asylum seekers back to almost certain death?

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  13. Isn’t this the same man who passed a special decree to feed Eluana Englaro, who had been in coma for years? Aren’t you the same people who defend life from its conception to its natural end? Is the life of a black man worth less than a white? Have you been contaminated so far by the heresy of the Northern League and Berlusconism? Why don’t you tell Catholics that if they support him they are sharing in his crimes against the Natural laws? You are adoring a Golden Cow.

    I myself, and believe me, many other Catholics, think you, my Lord Cardinal and the other bishops have lost all authority because you have reneged your mission of moral teaching, because you are acting in your own interests and not in the cause of the truth and the Gospel. Bought because every man and institution has its price. And when your silence comes up against the ignominous facts, like the experts you are, you weigh your words carefully and you speak softly.

    The former President of the Republic, Francesco Cossiga, described your attitude “The Church is very interested in private conduct. Between a devoted husband that contests certain laws of the Church and a hardened womaniser that extends a helping hand, the Church will say “Good man” to the womaniser “.Ecclesia casta et meretrix" (La Stampa, 8-5-2009). You didn’t complain about his harsh, offensive judgement.

    My Lord Cardinal, in the name of the God you claim to represent, give us a taste of prophecy, a whisper of the Gospel, a summer lightning flash of coherent faith and credibility. If you can’t do it as Head of the Confederation of Italian Bishops because of other interests, do it as Bishop of Genoa. Lots of Genoese are leaving the Church because of the Italian Bishops’ elastic, self-interested morality which negates the truth and the connective tissue of civil society.

    In your interview, you referred to “ the emergency in education” and the “negative role-models on the TV” . I suppose you know TV stations don’t just appear. They have a proprietor and he is the Head of the Government and as owner and prime minister he influences the choice of programmes, advertising, economics, life-style, ethics and conduct of young people. He can offer only a career as a showgirl or a seat in parliament for the more servile, especially for the women. They say he crowed with delight when he saw your interview because he was expecting much worse. With your benediction he can now continue on his lascivious way, trafficking in minors to immolate on the altar of his paranoic narcissism, to the greater glory of Berlusconistan, the new name for Italy in the English press.

    Looking forward to hearing from you,
    Best regards,

    Genova 31 May 2009
    Paolo Farinella, priest

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