The Bishop of Ossory has apologised following comments made by a priest in Co Kilkenny.
On Saturday, Brother Tom Forde compared gay people to zombies and said the only way to deal with them was to "shoot them in the brain".
Bishop Dermot Farrell says he was saddened to learn of the inappropriate language used.
Statement by Bishop Dermot Farrell concerning a recent homily https://t.co/Tp0S8i43Ww @OssoryDiocese pic.twitter.com/WV8jDBFETz
— CatholicBishops (@CatholicBishops) June 13, 2019
He's released a statement this afternoon which says "As followers of Christ, the Gospel we proclaim is about the welcome and inclusion of all; as every person - no matter their faith, or race, or sexual orientation - is made by God and is loved by God."
"Words can hurt and care needs to be taken by all, in all situations, so as not to alienate, hurt or cause offence."
Colm O'Gorman, of Amnesty International Ireland, says the words used on Saturday were a complete homophobic attack.
He believes "This is the kind of language that empowers hate. This is the kind of language that seems to suggest that violence is an acceptable response to people that are being demonised."
