Item 167 - 4 June 1968

1p 1 item

Document titled ‘Presence of priests on controversial platforms.’ On controversial questions, in which liberty of opinion is lawful for Catholics, should priests be allowed a similar liberty? Definite limits laid down by Plenary Council of Maynooth. Vatican Council has emphasized the active role the Faithful should play in public affairs. Regarding Vietnam, some Christians feel that U.S. participation is not justified on Christian principles. Fr. Michael O’Neill, St. Columban’s, took part in a protest meeting. On the platform were Sen. Garrett Fitzgerald, Sen. Eoin Ryan, Michael O’Leary and Donal Nevin. Fr. O’Neill said he would sign nothing organized by the Irish Voice on Vietnam as it was a propaganda body.