University fires Catholic chaplain for prejudice against Pride march
Father Mark Morris and FM Nicola Sturgeon leading the Pride march.
By Bill Heaney
The “prejudiced” views of a Catholic chaplain have led to his sacking by the Church in Glasgow.
Father Mark Morris is being replaced at Caledonian University after Dumbarton-born Patrick Harvie questioned his suitability for the role.
Green MSP Patrick Harvie called on the university to consider whether its chaplain should continue after he called (in his parish bulletin/website) the hugely popular weekend Pride march a “gross offence to God”.
The university responded immediately when it confirmed that Father Morris will not return in September to his role as chaplain.
University principal, professor Pamela Gillies said: “Following due consultation, Father 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.”
Father Morris, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, invited parishioners to a Rosary of reparation, which took place on 16 July.
The event, which was advertised on the church’s website, was a “rosary of reparation for the gross offence to God which is Pride Glasgow”.
The annual Pride march took place on Saturday, and was led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
She said the march had celebrated “the values of tolerance, diversity, equality, love and respect”.
Greens co-convener Harvie, who is a MSP for Glasgow, said: “Thankfully Mark Morris’s prejudiced and outdated views are limited to an ever dwindling number of people in our society.
“The university’s chancellor Annie Lennox and its principal Pamela Gillies both have long-standing professional commitments to issues such as human rights and sexual health.”
A spokesperson 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.”