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Priest vows to expel musicians
14.01.11
by Linda McGrory
BUNCRANA’S parish priest has warned he will expel
musicians and photographers from his church if they
don't liaise with him prior to weddings and
funerals.
Fr John Walsh has banned all secular music during
religious ceremonies and said he won't tolerate
wedding photographers and videographers "standing in
front" of him as he officiates.
"Photographers and video recordists can be a bit
enthusiastic about where they position themselves
but I don't want them standing in front of me when
I'm marrying people.
"I don't want secular songs or music played in the
chapel during the ceremony. These are religious
ceremonies and the music should reflect this." |
Fr Walsh said it was
"negotiable" whether or not he would allow secular
music be played after a religious ceremony concludes
and a wedding couple, or funeral cortege, is leaving
the chapel. He said photographers and videographers
had to prearrange with him where they could stand.
"While I would have great reservations about hurting
bereaved people, there has to be liaison. If liaison
doesn't take place, it will be the end of a
musician's association here - they would have
terminated their contract if they strike up the
music without contacting me beforehand.” |
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Fr John Walsh. |
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He added: "I'll be
sending for them anyway if I see them in the gallery
before a wedding and they haven't come to see me
first. Musicians who don't co-operate will not be
welcome to perform in Buncrana (churches) anymore so
it's up to them to liaise with me," he added.
Buncrana parish also does not permit the scattering
of confetti/petals, the installation of decorative
arches or the lighting of candles outside the
sanctuary of the church. |
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