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_WORLD WATCH______________________________
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Priest bares all for charity
Bishop objects to nude pose
After a brief furor that drew international attention, a curate who posed naked for a charity calendar has apologized to his congregation, and the picture has been withdrawn.
Father Olan Rynn, from the seaside parish of Salthill in Galway, was photographed sitting in an armchair with his legs crossed, naked except for a Roman collar, holding a prayer book. The “Bare Shakers” calendar also featured a range of other Galway celebrities including a leading gynecologist, a football player, an Olympic oarsman, and a teacher. Proceeds from its sale were to be used to fight cancer and cerebral palsy.
The black-and-white calendar is based on the English “Alternative WI Calendar” which features middle-aged members of the Rylstone Women’s Institute going about their domestic duties naked.
Father Rynn claimed to have the support of his local bishop for his appearance. But following a newspaper story about the naked priest, Bishop James McLoughlin of Galway issued a statement distancing himself from the project. He said:
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Some weeks ago, Father Olan Rynn spoke to me briefly about his possible appearance in a charity fundraising calendar. However, I did not fully appreciate the type of calendar which was envisaged and, thinking it to be a straightforward fundraising project in aid of two worthy charities, I gave Father Rynn permission to participate in the venture.
On reading a report in a local newspaper, I was surprised and dismayed to discover what the actual content of the calendar was going to be. As it is clearly inappropriate for a priest to appear in such a calendar, I immediately approached the promoters of the project to discuss the matter with them. They have graciously agreed to withdraw the photograph of Father Rynn from the calendar.
Father Rynn is a valued priest of the diocese and is in good standing with me as his bishop. However, he accepts that he made an error of judgment in agreeing to participate in this project, albeit for the best of intentions.
Back to Catholic World Report February 2001 Table of Contents