Glasgow: Archbishop Conti backs disciplined firefighters

Following the decision announced yesterday to discipline Strathclyde Fire Fighters who refused to distribute leaflets at a gay pride rally, Archbishop Conti of Glasgow - where the rally was held - has expressed his solidarity with the fire fighters. Archbishop Conti said: "We have followed this case with concern. Today's decision is dismaying. There was no question of these officers' competency or commitment being called into question, nor was there any suggestion that they were refusing to come to the assistance of people in danger. "They were asked, while in uniform, to hand out leaflets during a demonstration where they had legitimate concerns about being the subject of taunts and jokes, and in which, in some cases, their religious sensibilities were being grossly offended by people dressed as priests and nuns lampooning the Church. "That the officers concerned are being forced to undergo "diversity training" is alarming. The duty to obey one's conscience is a higher duty than that of obeying orders." Source: Archdiocese of Glasgow