CathNews New Zealand

Fr Tony Flannery, founder of the Association of Catholic Priests, is under investigation by the Vatican for some of his liberal views, reports The Irish Catholic.

The investigation comes just two weeks after the report of the Apostolic Visitation that described “widespread dissent” from traditional Catholic teaching by priests, religious and lay people.

It is believed Flannery, an author and retreat director, is under investigation from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for some of what he has published, and in particular his opposition to the Church’s ban on contraception and his support for the ordination of women.

Flannery writes a monthly column in Reality Magazine, and or the first time in 14 years, Flannery’s column has not appeared Redemptorist publication.

The Irish Catholic reports that Flannery provoked dismay when he publicly backed Ireland’s Prime Minister, Enda Kenny’s attack on the Vatican.

In the course of his attack, Kenny misquoted Pope Benedict and accused the Vatican of trying to thwart abuse inquiries in the Cloyne diocese.

Kenny has still not substantiated the allegation despite a request to do so from Dublin Archbishop, Diarmuid Martin.

The Association of Catholic Priests is a forum for priests who wish to reflect, discuss and comment on issues affecting the Irish Church and society today.

Among its objectives is the full implementation of the vision and teaching of Vatican II, giving special emphasis to

• the primacy of the individual conscience
• the status and active participation of all the baptised
• the task of establishing a Church where all believers will be treated equal.

The Association seeks to restructure the governing system of the Church, basing it on service rather than power.

A Redemptorist, The Irish Catholic believes Flannery continues to enjoy the support of his religious superiors.

Sources

• The Irish Catholic
• Image: Reality Magazine

Additional reading

• Reality Magazine (pdf)
• Redemptorist Communications
• Priests Association disturbed by Vatican investigation of Fr Flannery

News category: World.