The Irish Clergy and the Republican Movement' Memorandum

View/Open

View/Open: HAG1-1924-301.pdf (75.MB) Bookview

Repository

DigitalGeorgetown

Pontifical Irish College

Contributor

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

Description

Typescript memorandum with ink underlining by [...] for [Vatican authorities], entitled 'The Irish clergy and the Republican movement'. Giving introduction to the relationship between the hierarchy and the priests, the Free State, and the republican movement. The difference between the Free State and republican sections is political only but the government and bishops often find it convenient to portray the latter's opposition as 'an anti-clericalism, a new species of atheism'. The bishops' influence is quietly at work, only rarely surfacing as in Bishop Foley's recent political pastoral. Priests fall into three categories, the Free Staters being the most numerous, and some opting out of politics. Recently, the bishops have played strongly anti-republican roles, so also in the recent elections. Explaining the traditionally influential position of the priest in the popular mind, and the differences between clergy in rural areas and in cities. Republican priests are generally condemned to silence in their obedience to their bishops. Pointing to the recently consecrated Bishop Dignan of Clonfert as an exception in the hierarchy. Summing up the situation in five points; 'unity between [the two camps] is not to be looked for until the Republicans have freed Ireland'; clerical influence will continue but while it might stay the republican process it will not defeat it – 'inherently the people feel that Christianity and liberty are not opposites'. [early summer 1924]