Vigil is organised to show support for LGBT+community
By Maurice Garvey
A VIGIL has been organised in Ballyfermot this Friday to show support for the LGBT+ community.
There was a lot of media attention this week surrounding the removal of a Pride flag and a Tricolour at Assumption parish in Ballyfermot, following advice by the Dublin Catholic archdiocese that only papal flags or the national flag can be flown on church grounds for special occasions.
The pride flag flying over the Assumption Church in Ballyfermot
The flags were flown last week by parish priest Fr Adrian Egan.
The parish Facebook post accompanying the picture, said: “In the classic words of the good copper, ‘move along folks, nothing much to see here’! Just an effort by a parish pastoral council to say to our gay brothers and sisters. God loves you, your parish loves you, and you are welcome here. Applies to all of you too! That’s all it is folks, but conspiracy theories abound these days.”
Most of the comments on local social media sites were supportive, however Fr Egan said the move attracted some “nasty” comments condemning the decision.
Cllr Daithí Doolan (SF) condemned the “homophobic leaflets” handed out at a ‘rosary rally’ outside the church, and praised the parish for their inclusive nature.
The Ballyfermot Anti-Racism Network and Ballyfermot Youth Service have organised a vigil for Friday at 6.30pm at the roundabout near the church “in solidarity with all the Pride community and young people in Ballyfermot”.
TD Brid Smith (PBP) said the vigil has the backing of youth groups and the LGBT+ community.
“We want to show solidarity with the positive message from the church on gay rights and show that we are a proud community. There are a lot of married gay couples in Ballyfermot.”
