News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Leo-Varadkar-speaking-in-Dail-main_article_image.jpg
Dail/PA Wire
World News

Ireland's PM to tell Pope LGBT Catholics feel 'excluded from Church'

by Press Association

Leo Varadkar is expected to meet the pontiff at Dublin Castle on Saturday.

He is Ireland's first openly-gay leader.

 

He told Irish national broadcaster RTE: "There are a lot of people who are devout Catholics who very much believe in their Catholic faith but feel excluded from the church because of the treatment of women and the rules around how women can participate in the church, because they are from an LGBT background or because they are divorced, for example.

"I know that really hurts for them because there is a conflict between who they are and the rules of the faith which they follow and certainly if I have the opportunity to speak to Pope Francis I will want to relay that message."

AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Mr Varadkar said he wanted to do so in a fashion that respects freedom of religion in Ireland.

He added: "It is not the role of the head of Government to ask any church or any religious group, Catholic, Christian or non-Christian, to change its faith."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate