Scottish Catholic Observer

The Rosary was advertised as taking place on July 16 in the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Balornock, where Fr Mark Morris is parish priest in addition to serving as chaplain to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

However, after newspaper reports condemning the Rosary, and criticism from LGBT groups and Green Party MSP Patrick Harvey, Glasgow Caledonian removed Fr Morris from his position.

In a statement, the GCU Catholic community said Fr Morris was a ‘gentle giant’ who is ‘well-loved’ by students and that his upholding of Church teaching does not mean that LGBT people are not welcome at the university chaplaincy. The community has called on the university to reconsider their decision.

“The Catholic Community at GCU would like to express our full support and solidarity with Fr Mark Morris at this time,” the statement said. “He is a faithful priest who has served our community with joy, dignity, and a smiling face for many years now. We are extremely disappointed that the university have decided to dismiss Fr Morris. It is frankly abhorrent that a Catholic Priest would be dismissed from his post as a Catholic chaplain for merely reaffirming the teachings of the Catholic Faith.”

The community said it should be expected that the Church ‘would not align herself with a movement like Pride, which promotes sexual promiscuity and celebrates extra-marital actions which are considered gravely sinful.’

“In line with Church teaching, Fr Morris has made it clear on many occasions that homosexual persons are called to a life of chastity. In no way does this mean that homosexual persons are not welcome here at the chaplaincy, nor does it mean that they have fallen short of the love of God,” the statement added. “Anyone who knows Fr Morris will know he is a gentle giant, and is very careful to be truthful but also charitable. He is well-loved by the students and spends a lot of time with the homeless, providing them with meals and a listening ear.”

The statement said that Monday’s Rosary was a parish event and thus had ‘nothing to do’ with Fr Morris’ chaplaincy duties, and it criticised the media’s unfair, unnecessary and cruel focusing on the priest’s role at the university.

“It seems that Glasgow Caledonian University have a very warped understanding of ‘Equality and Diversity,’ whereby they have permitted absolutely no diversity of opinion whatsoever,” the statement added. “We are very sad to see that the opinions and beliefs of Catholics are not valued or respected at the university chaplaincy.

“In all charity, we would urge the university to reconsider this unfair dismissal of our chaplain. We also thank those who have offered us support at this time, and we ask that you continue to keep Fr Morris in your prayers.”

Thousands of people marched through the city on Saturday July 14, led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, as they took part in the Glasgow Pride event.

Following the newspaper reports on the parish Rosary, and criticism from LGBT groups, GCU issued a statement saying that, after ‘due consultation,’ Fr Morris will not return to his post for the new term in September.

A spokesperson for the university said: “Following due consultation, Fr Mark Morris will not return to his chaplaincy role at the university in September. The university will work with the Archdiocese of Glasgow to ensure the continued provision of chaplaincy support for staff and students at our Faith and Belief Centre when the new term starts.

“The University is strongly inclusive and committed to supporting equality and diversity on campus.”

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said: “The Archdiocese is aware of the University’s decision and will address the provision of chaplaincy support in due course.”