A ROMAN CATHOLIC diocese in the south-east has been strongly criticised amid heightened concern it’s been “mainstreaming conspiracy theories” in the region.
Observers also believe that the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore has become a “test case” for hardline factions in the Church in Ireland, allowing them to network with international fringe groups.
The diocese has hosted events run by a number of fringe groups and organisations, including one this week by a controversial podcast team who have been heavily critical of Pope Francis’s teachings and praised far-right figure Tommy Robinson.
A group specialising in examining disinformation has expressed concern that the diocese is becoming a vanguard for attempts by conservative factions to take greater control of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
The Institute of Strategic Dialogue said the Waterford diocese is “unique” among the mainstream religions here for its attempts to “mainstream” fringe groups and beliefs in recent years.
…