CATHOLIC parishioners have called for a review of Orange Order parades in Glasgow following a recent attack on a priest.
Scotland’s Grand Lodge has already condemned what it called “bigoted actions” when Canon Tom White was spat on, abused and threatened during a parade through the city’s east end on Saturday.
Canon Tom White (pictured below) had been speaking to parishioners outside St Alphonsus Church, near the Barras, when he was spat on twice, before being lunged at by a man with a pole.
The Parish Pastoral Councils of St Mary’s and St Alphonsus' in the Calton have now urged the council to review the routes of upcoming Orange Order parades – particularly where they pass Catholic churches.
Marches are planned for July 21, August 4 and 11.
READ MORE: Glasgow priest attack is blow for Orange Order, expert claims
The Catholic churches also asked to be consulted about future parades.
In a statement, the churches said: “While we welcome the statement by the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, condemning the assaults on Canon Tom, as a community we are distressed and deeply saddened that in the 21st century we are unable to exercise our human rights of freedom of association, freedom of assembly and the right to celebrate our faith free from intimidation and violence.”
“The Catholic faith community of St Alphonsus’ and St Mary’s in The Calton are utterly appalled and saddened at the physical and verbal assault on our Parish Priest, the Very Reverend Thomas Canon White, on Saturday 7th July 2018. This unprecedented and unprovoked attack took place outside St Alphonsus Church on London Road, Glasgow, just after 5:20pm after Canon Tom had finished celebrating Mass. The attack took place as the Dalmarnock Orange & Purple District No.50 Orange Order parade, marched past St Alphonsus Church as the 4:30pm Vigil Mass was finishing.
READ MORE: Glasgow priest attack is blow for Orange Order, expert claims
“Despite a Police presence those involved in, and following the Parade, were able to approach Canon Tom and the parishioners exiting the Church. This happened against a backdrop of sectarian singing and sectarian insults.
“He was verbally assaulted and spat upon a number of times and members of the congregation, many who are frail and elderly, were subjected to the same treatment. One individual also attempted to physically assault Canon Tom with a baton. Fortunately, this person was prevented from harming him.”
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