The Catholic Chaplain of Glasgow Caledonian University, Father Mark Morris, has been removed from his position by the university after holding a service of reparation of what he said was “the gross offence to God which is Pride Glasgow”.
The Pride Parade, which celebrates equality and love in all of its forms, was held last week in Glasgow and was attended by thousands, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon However, student groups and equality campaigners were shocked to find out about Father Morris’ prayer service at the Heart of Mary Church in Balornock just days later.Yesterday, the university announced that they had removed the chaplain from his position.
The Principal of Glasgow Caledonian University, Pamela Gillies, said: “Following due consultation, Father Mark Morris will not return to his chaplaincy role at the university in September. The university is strongly inclusive and committed to supporting equality and diversity on campus.”
The university’s LGBT+ Liberation group released a statement, where it said: “Our job as a liberation group is to make sure GCU is a welcome university for all students, regardless of their sexuality, or gender identity, and this is a battle that we fight constantly, day and night. We are assured time and time again that GCU is an equal, open place to study, where discrimination is not tolerated, but we know that actions speak louder than words, and the university, along with its services must actually act in a way that complies with its policies, and not just say it does. However, to see the university’s catholic chaplain Mark Morris linked to a rosary of reparation for Pride, and to call it a gross offence to God, does not give a welcoming message to students at GCU. We continue to work alongside the university and the students’ association to ensure GCU can become a place where everyone can feel welcomed, and safe being who they are.”
