Bishop of Clonfert supports the Pitstop Ploughshares

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Saturday July 22, 2006 10:53 by R - Ploughshares - National Support Network

Statement outside the four courts July 21st

The Irish anti-war movement are failing to offer meaningful support for the courageous Pitstop Ploughshares but it seems church leader Bishop Kirby isn't afraid to stand up for his beliefs. Yesterday he attended the closing arguments of the trial and made a statement in their support.

The trial is expected to finish up on Monday after 3 1/2 long hard years.

Bishop of Clonfert , John Kirby

Bishop John Kirby:

"I was part of the original protest here in Dublin in February 2003. And I was on the platform of those who objected to the war being waged in the name of the war on terror but which is sadly it is becoming the war on Iraq. In addition to that Damien Moran’s roots are in the diocese, of which I happen
to be the bishop, and I know his family and I know he is fully motivated by the gospel and by the whole teachings of Christ in the Gospel. And Pope John Paul, the late Pope John Paul, who in most areas tended to be, on political issues, was quite hostile to the execution of this war. So I would see myself as aligned with the Late John Paul, aligned with the whole notion of turning swords into ploughshares, and for that reason I decided to come and support the Pitstop Five here this afternoon".

At a previous trial: Solidarity Damien, Kathy Kelly (Voices In The Wilderness), And Ciaron