Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ urges Belfast City Hall to reconsider illumination in support of abortion

Bishop Alan McGuckian, the Bishop of Down and Connor, wrote to all 60 members of the Belfast City Council to ask them to reconsider a decision to illuminate Belfast City Hall in support of abortion on Monday, September 28.

In his letter to the councillors and the Lord Mayor, Bishop McGuckian described the planned illumination as a divisive and insensitive expression of support for abortion. He stated that the use of a major civic building to promote the intentional taking of unborn lives is not a neutral gesture and can be upsetting to citizens of all religious backgrounds. The bishop urged the council to maintain the building as a space that unites rather than divides the community.

Bishop McGuckian expressed his sadness regarding the decision and requested the opportunity to speak with councillors and their party colleagues about their positions. He noted his responsibility to speak for vulnerable people and called for equal care and protection for both mothers and unborn children.