The Catholic Bishop of Kerry has apologised for a controversial homily delivered to mass-goers in Listowel on Sunday, saying the views expressed were not representative of the Christian faith.
Bishop Ray Browne's comments come following a sermon by retired priest Seán Sheehy, deputising for the Parish Priest of Listowel, Fr Declan O'Connor.
In his homily at St Mary's Church, Fr Sheehy said people rarely hear about sin but he said "it is rampant" in legislation.
He went on to make disparaging remarks about abortion, transgenderism and homosexuality.
A number of people left the church in protest at the priest's homily.
Today, the Bishop of Kerry published a statement on the issue on the diocesan website.
In his statement, Bishop Browne said he was aware of the deep upset and hurt caused by the contents of the homily in question delivered over the weekend.
He apologised to "all who were offended" saying the views expressed "do not represent the Christian position".
"The homily at a regular weekend parish mass is not appropriate for such issues to be spoken of in such terms," the statement added.
Bishop Browne said the gospel is a gospel of love and "ever proclaims the dignity of every human person".
"It calls on us all to ever have total respect for one another."
Speaking to Radio Kerry this afternoon, Fr Sheehy said Bishop Browne had told him that he was "to be taken off all masses".
He stood by his homily, saying: "I know myself that what I said cannot be disproven by any honest-to-God Catholic, Christian or Catholic teaching, and that's the bottom line."
