Father Donnelly Is Still Outspoken, Still Unhappy... (Press, 20 June 1985)

Father Felix Donnelly, an Auckland priest, remains a controversial figure within the Catholic Church five years after being publicly reprimanded by Bishop John Mackey in 1980 for his outspoken views on church issues. While he describes himself as a happier man now, he continues to critique the church's stances on major topics such as birth control and the role of women, asserting these decisions are made by a “group of elderly, celibate males.” Donnelly's criticisms have evolved over the years; he condemns the Vatican for corruption, describes the Pope's refusal to address crucial questions as reactionary, and advocates for change within the church that reflects modern societal values. Father Donnelly’s censure has not deterred him. He has found a unique niche that allows him to remain connected to his faith while acting independently. He serves as a skilled counsellor, is involved with the Youthlink Trust that supports troubled youths, and has recently obtained a doctorate from Auckland University focusing on his experiences rehabilitating young people. He hosts a popular talkback radio show and expresses his disconnection from traditional priestly duties, viewing public preaching as outdated. Despite being forbidden to say Mass publicly or hear confessions (except in extreme circumstances), Father Donnelly feels liberated by his status. He is devoted to helping young people, many of whom are in state custody, and believes this commitment is far more impactful than the duties of a traditional parish priest. With a history of extensive involvement in youth support, Donnelly has authored books discussing his experiences, including the book "Who Cares?" Father Donnelly openly questions mandatory celibacy within the priesthood, arguing it is a controlling mechanism of the church that has negative repercussions for both clergy and the broader community. He notes that the current system often leads to dishonesty and affirms the need for both married clergy and the inclusion of women in leadership roles to reflect contemporary society. In his view, the church’s resistance to such changes signals deeper issues within its leadership, including a troubling history of corruption. While he acknowledges the positive work being done by the church, he expresses significant disillusionment with its ability to adapt and address key issues affecting its followers. He argues that many Catholics are disengaging from the church as they seek meaning outside of its confines, feeling that traditional churches are on the decline. On the subject of homosexuality, Donnelly speaks passionately against discrimination, citing his understanding derived from personal counselling experiences. He asserts that being gay is not a choice, and those struggling with their identities should be allowed to feel self-worth without societal stigma. He criticises campaigns against homosexual law reform as rooted in ignorance and misrepresentation, suggesting that those promoting such agendas are often themselves grappling with their identities. In summary, Father Felix Donnelly is a priest who, while officially sidelined, continues to be a vocal advocate for progressive change within the Catholic Church, supporting the acceptance of varied sexual orientations, the inclusion of women, and challenging outdated doctrines. His journey reflects a blend of personal conviction and professional dedication to helping the vulnerable in society.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand