The principal of a university whose chaplain held a church service to atone for the “gross offence” of Glasgow Pride has told how she is “extremely disappointed” by the incident and vowed to investigate further.
Professor Pamela Gillies, principal and vice-chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University said the views of Father Mark Morris were “antithetical” to those held by the university, which were represented at the last two Pride Glasgow events.
It was revealed yesterday that Father Morris, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, had invited parishioners to a rosary of reparation.According the Balornock church's website, the service was a "Rosary of reparation for the gross offence to God which is Pride Glasgow."
Saturday's Pride march was led by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who called the event “celebrating and reaffirming the values of tolerance, diversity, equality, love and respect.”
Jordan Daly, Co-Founder of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), which campaigns for inclusive education in schools, had said it was "sad and disappointing" to see Father Morris's "condemnation" of the event.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Glasgow said: “This was a private parish devotion unrelated to Father Morris’s role as chaplain.”
But in a statement, Professor Gillies said: “I am extremely disappointed to hear of the service Father Morris has apparently held in response to the very successful Pride event in Glasgow last Saturday. The views implied are antithetical to those held by the University, which is strongly inclusive. We actively respect and promote equality and diversity and this has included having an official presence at the last two Pride Glasgow events. I shall be looking further into this matter.”
Father Morris celebrates Mass on Thursdays in the Faith and Belief Centre in the university's William Harley Building, and hears confession.
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