The article starts: " The Bishop of East Anglia today accused Neil Kinnock of putting his political credentials at risk by abusing Catholic beliefs." The bishop wants an apology from Mr Kinnock. Fr Dowsey accused the Labour leader of blasphemy and degrading Catholic teaching.
Eastern Evening News (1882-)Complaint
34 Archive Record results for Complaint
Peterborough column reports on the complaint by Senior Catholic clergy regarding the words used by Mr. Kinnock during a speech at a Labour party rally.
The Daily Telegraph / The Sunday TelegraphIn a letter to Cardinal Hume, Mr Kinnock said he regretted his remarks. Catholic Bishops had told him that his remarks at a Labour rally in Birmingham had deeply offended thousands of his own supporters.
The Daily MailSubhead: "Cheap and nasty mud-slinging"
Bishop of East Anglia wrote to Neil Kinnock complaining that he has abused Catholic beliefs in a speech at the Labour party's Red Rose rally in Birmingham.
Editorial begins: "The Labour party is revelling the new found confidence of an Opposition which is at last recovering from its third successive electoral defeat. The consequent euphoria, however, has led its leader to stray from the paths of accepted invective." It suggests that Mr Kinnock will not suffer the fate of Salman Rushdie but an apology is in order.
Eastern Daily PressFrom the letters page, a letter from Duke of Norfolk: "... Mr. Kinnock's remarks are profoundly offensive."
The Times[undated; unattributed]
Reports Mr Kinnock's response to complaints: "The words were neither blasphemous in the intention nor meaning. If any believer has been offended I naturally regret it."
Commenting that Kinnock has fallen into "the all-too easy trap of treating Christians as something rather quaint and amusing, the butt of cheap puns. And cheap is very much the tone of Mr Kinnock's attack."
The leader suggests the time is right for a reform of antiquated blasphemy laws - being unworkable. Perhaps Christians should turn the other cheek?
subhead: "'Immaculate misconception' jibe at Labour rally angers cardinal, bishops and Duke. Opposition leader expresses 'regret'"
The use of Marian imagery to ridicule the Prime Minister earned condemnation from many.
Mr Kinnock's words went way beyond what is acceptable - however "he was playing with words in a careless and insensitive way."
The TimesThe labour leader's attempts at humour fall flat.
The Daily MailDid the Bishop inform Fr Delaney warning that she is a nuisance writing reams of pages which the Bishop drops in the waste bin? She states that Fr Delaney is spreading scandal about her and saying she has left the mission. She states that Fr Delaney would be better attending to his duties instead of visiting the picture house with his nieces and his maid (19, called by him a "housekeeper"). People of Aldeburgh horrified that he went to the pictures twice during Holy Week (Monday and Maundy Thursday). She encloses a cheque - the proceeds of a sale for Fr Delaney - and asks the Bishop to forward it to the priest. She has a number of other, serious, concerns which she wants to tell to the Bishop (but cannot get to Northampton due to her Gout) if he or a representative could come, she will share them.
Parnell, Mary E MrsFr Delaney has had an accident and is in bed. Keep cheque until he is better. "I should be sorry for any act of mine to cause unpleasantness until he is better. We have a new Chemist in town. He and his wife and four children are Catholics."
Parnell, Mary E MrsBishop would like to know who is using his name in such a manner. He denies ever having mentioned Mrs Parnell other than to ensure F Delaney could understood her better than the foreigners [sic] who preceded him. Suggests that her writing to delay the cheque shows a concern fro Fr Delaney. Hence she should take the cheque herself and talk to Fr Delaney and commiserate with him on his accident, otherwise reconciliation will be more difficult.
Keating, William Frederick Rev (1859-1928)Miss Wheeler has written to Teresa Bragger about the mistreatment she has had at the hands of the nuns in Aldeburgh, Eaton House. T Bragger commiserates with her plight, cannot understand why she has been placed so far away and not in a Cottage Hospital in Aldeburgh. She recognises the overbearing behaviour of the Reverend Mother (Cecilia) and the injustice of it all. Understands that talking to Fr Davidson is not helpful since he is completely subdues by the Rev. Mother. She suggests writing to the Bishop, talking to Fr Flanagan and moving to a boarding house in Leiston. She will write back via Mrs Irwin to avoid the nuns getting hold of the letter.
Bragger, TeresaMiss Wheeler hopes that Miss Irwin has passed on her letter. Considers that Mother Cecilia may be treating all the women as she does her nuns, but the women have not sworn a vow of poverty and obedience. Wishes Miss Wheeler well for Christmas and says that if Miss Irwin asks her to go and see her then she must.
Bragger, TeresaT Bragger asks Miss Wheeler to write and let her know if things are better. If not she will write to the Bishop. Sorry to know that Miss Irwin will not go to the convent any more. Go see Fr Flanagan often. Fr Davidson is controlled by Rev Mother Cecilia and probably thinks she is behaving honourably.
Bragger, TeresaMother Superior, Sr Francis of Assisi details a long set of issues with Fr Flanagan's behaviour towards her and the convent. She describes violent and abusive actions before herself, the sisters and the laity. Despite being ill herself she say she has kept her calm and tried to manage the convent and situation despite the actions of Fr Flanagan. He tried to subvert two nuns who had to be reprimanded and sent away for a while. He has written anonymous letters about her. The remaining nuns do not want to go to services or confession with him. Can the Bishop help?
Convent of Our Lady, AldeburghBegging the Bishop to remove Fr Flanagan. in 11 months he has alienated very member of his flock in Aldeburgh and Leiston. His manner is ruse, violent and insulting. Fr Flanagan is described not as a shepherd but as a ravening wolf amongst the flock. Mr McDowell mentions both Canon Peacock and Canon Marshall who will vouch for his steadfastness.
Manuscript pencilled annotation (on reverse of page 2): "Letter considered, action later"
Thanking the Bishop for his letter (of 29 August) stating that he is to take action.
McDowell, J K Mr