Cumann na Sagart Caitliceach[1] | |
Abbreviation | ACP |
---|---|
Established | 1 September 2010[2] (14 years) |
Type | Catholic, voluntary association |
Region | Ireland |
Membership | 1000[3] |
Leaders |
|
Key people | |
Affiliations | Association of Catholics in Ireland |
Website | associationofcatholicpriests |
The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) is an independent[4] and voluntary association of Catholic clergy in Ireland. The association was established on 1 September 2010 with the objective of having "a forum, and a voice to reflect, discuss and comment on issues affecting the Irish Church and society today".[5][6] Its lay, sister organisation is the Association of Catholics in Ireland.
The group was founded by priests as a "forum to discuss theological issues" and as an "independent body to fight for the rights of priests and defend them in situations where their bishops have refused support".[7]
Since inception the ACP have frequently called for a synodal pathway and increased transparency from Irish bishops[8] and have challenged their purported lack of openness as at odds with the approach of Pope Francis[9] and the Second Vatican Council. These have included in handling cases of clerical abuse,[10][11] greater involvement of lay people within church governance,[12] results of public consultations,[13][14] the treatment of priests.[15][16][17]
In 2012 Fr Brendan Hoban, co-founder of the ACP, wrote in The Irish Times, "If ever we needed to speak the truth as we see it, then surely this is the time." Following the publication of the national synthesis document response in 2022, the Irish Times reflected on the ACPs call for change "Ten years later it would appear that no less a person than the Catholic Primate, Archbishop Eamon Martin, is thinking along the same lines."[18]