# Raymond Browne

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Irish bishop of Kerry

For other people named Raymond Browne, see [Raymond Browne (disambiguation)](/source/Raymond_Browne_(disambiguation)).

Raymond Browne Bishop of Kerry Church Roman Catholic Diocese Kerry Appointed 2 May 2013 Installed 21 July 2013 Predecessor William Murphy Previous post Judicial vicar at the Galway Marriage Regional Tribunal Orders Ordination 4 July 1982 Consecration 21 July 2013 by Dermot Clifford Personal details Born (1957-01-23) 23 January 1957 (age 69) Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland Education University College Cork Pontifical Irish College Pontifical Gregorian University St Patrick's College, Maynooth Motto Love one another Coat of arms

**Raymond Anthony Browne** (born 23 January 1957) is an [Irish](/source/Republic_of_Ireland) [Roman Catholic](/source/Catholic_Church) [prelate](/source/Prelate) who has served as [Bishop of Kerry](/source/Bishop_of_Kerry) since 2013.

## Early life and education

Browne was born on 23 January 1957 in Chapel Street, [Athlone](/source/Athlone), [County Westmeath](/source/County_Westmeath), one of seven children. He attended primary school at Saint Paul's Mercy Convent School and Dean Kelly National School in Athlone, and secondary school in [Summerhill College](/source/Summerhill_College), [Sligo](/source/Sligo), between 1969 and 1974. Browne studied for the priesthood at [St Patrick's College, Maynooth](/source/St_Patrick's_College%2C_Maynooth), between 1974 and 1982, completing a [Bachelor of Science](/source/Bachelor_of_Science) from [University College Cork](/source/University_College_Cork) in 1978 and a [Bachelor of Divinity](/source/Bachelor_of_Divinity) from Saint Patrick's College in 1981.[1]

He was ordained a priest for the [Diocese of Elphin](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Elphin) on 4 July 1982 in the [Church of Saints Peter and Paul](/source/Church_of_Saints_Peter_and_Paul%2C_Athlone), Athlone.[1]

## Presbyteral ministry

After completing a [licentiate](/source/Licentiate_(degree)) in [canon law](/source/Canon_law) at the [Pontifical Gregorian University](/source/Pontifical_Gregorian_University) in 1983, Browne's first pastoral appointment was as [spiritual director](/source/Spiritual_direction) at [Summerhill College](/source/Summerhill_College) between October 1983 and June 1986. He subsequently served as a curate in [Roscommon](/source/Roscommon) between September 1986 and July 1988, and in the [cathedral parish](/source/Cathedral_of_the_Immaculate_Conception%2C_Sligo) of [Sligo](/source/Sligo) between 1995 and 2002.[1]

Browne subsequently served on the Galway Marriage Regional Tribunal, initially as a staff member between July 1988 and July 1995, and later as [judicial vicar](/source/Judicial_vicar) between October 2002 and July 2008. He was appointed parish priest of [Kilgefin](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kilgefin&action=edit&redlink=1), [County Roscommon](/source/County_Roscommon), in August 2008, while simultaneously serving as diocesan designate for child protection and assistance to elderly and sick clergy.[1]

## Episcopal ministry

Browne was appointed [Bishop-elect of Kerry](/source/Bishop_of_Kerry) by [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis) on 2 May 2013.[1][2][3][4] He was consecrated by the [Archbishop of Cashel and Emly](/source/Archbishop_of_Cashel), [Dermot Clifford](/source/Dermot_Clifford), on 21 July at [St Mary's Cathedral](/source/St_Mary's_Cathedral%2C_Killarney), [Killarney](/source/Killarney).[5][6][7]

### Fr Seán Sheehy controversy

On 1 November 2022, Browne issued a statement in response to controversial [homilies](/source/Homily#Roman_Catholic_Mass_homily) given by Fr Seán Sheehy at Masses in [Listowel](/source/Listowel). The homilies included criticism of what Sheehy called "[sinful acts](/source/Christian_views_on_sin)" such as [abortion](/source/Catholic_Church_and_abortion), [same-sex](/source/Catholic_Church_and_homosexuality#Same-sex_marriage) [relationships](/source/Same-sex_relationship), [contraception](/source/Religion_and_birth_control#Roman_Catholicism), and ["transgenderism"](/source/LGBT_culture#Transgender_culture). In his statement, Browne apologised to those who were offended by the homilies, saying:[8]

"The views expressed do not represent the Christian position. The homily at a regular weekend parish Mass is not appropriate for such issues to be spoken of in such terms."

Speaking on [Radio Kerry](/source/Radio_Kerry)'s *Kerry Today* on 1 November, Fr Sheehy expressed his disagreement with Browne, accusing him of "sacrificing the truth, or muzzling the truth in order to appease people".[9][10]

When Browne disciplined Fr Sheehy by forbidding him to say Mass in public, Sheehy responded, saying:[10]

"I know myself that what I said cannot be disproven by any honest-to-God Catholic, Christian or Catholic teaching, and that’s the bottom line".

Some Catholics agree with Sheehy's position, pointing out that the acts mentioned are defined as sinful in [Catholic doctrine](/source/Catholic_theology_of_sexuality).[11][12][13][14]

Some conservative Catholics have condemned Browne's statement:[15]

"Do not be under any doubt as to the seriousness of what the Bishop has done here. It is one thing to be condemned by the [Irish Times](/source/Irish_Times), or [RTÉ](/source/Radio_Telif%C3%ADs_%C3%89ireann) or the folks on [twitter](/source/Twitter), but for a priest to be [cancelled](/source/Cancel_culture) by his own Bishop for warning his flock about sinful behaviour is a disaster."

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:0_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:0_1-4) ["His Holiness Pope Francis appoints Father Raymond A Browne as Bishop of Kerry"](https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/05/02/holiness-pope-francis-appoints-father-raymond-browne-bishop-kerry/). *Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference*. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Rinuncia del vescovo di Kerry (Irlanda) e nomina del successore"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2013/05/02/0265/00603.html). *[Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office)* (in Italian). 2 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Pope appoints new Bishop of Kerry"](https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0502/389986-bishop-of-kerry/). *[Raidió Telefís Éireann](/source/Raidi%C3%B3_Telef%C3%ADs_%C3%89ireann)*. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Elphin diocesan priest is new Bishop of Kerry"](https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/news/elphin-diocesan-priest-is-new-bishop-of-kerry-29247622.html). *[The Sligo Champion](/source/The_Sligo_Champion)*. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Bishop wants society to remember those in financial difficulty"](https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0721/463807-bishop-of-kerry-economic-downturn/). *Raidió Telefís Éireann*. 21 July 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Fr Ray Browne ordained as Bishop of Kerry"](https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/fr-ray-browne-ordained-as-bishop-of-kerry-1.1470676). *[The Irish Times](/source/The_Irish_Times)*. 21 July 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["New man at Church's helm"](https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/new-man-at-churchs-helm-29426779.html). *[The Kerryman](/source/The_Kerryman)*. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Browne, Bishop Ray (1 November 2022). ["Statement issued on behalf of the diocese of Kerry regarding the offending homilies"](https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2022/11/statement-issued-on-behalf-of-the-diocese-of-kerry-regarding-the-offending-homilies/). *Diocese of Kerry*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Priest who condemned same-sex relationships says he's been told not to say Mass"](https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/priest-who-condemned-same-sex-relationships-says-hes-been-told-not-to-say-mass-303837). *[Radio Kerry](/source/Radio_Kerry)*. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_10-1) Cantwell, Molly (2 November 2022). ["Kerry-based priest stands by comments made condemning "promiscuity" and the LGBTQ+ community"](https://www.hotpress.com/lifestyle-sports/kerry-based-priest-stands-by-comments-made-condemning-promiscuity-and-the-lgbtq-community-22936594). *[Hot Press](/source/Hot_Press)*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Fr Seán Sheehy and the Listowel sermon"](https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2022/11/04/fr-sean-sheehy-and-the-listowel-sermon/). *The Irish Times*. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Dreher, Rod (1 November 2022). ["'No Catholicism, Please, We're Irish'"](https://www.theamericanconservative.com/no-catholicism-please-were-irish/). *The American Conservative*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Kinder, Cole (4 November 2022). ["Ireland Is No Longer a Catholic Nation"](https://www.crisismagazine.com/opinion/ireland-is-no-longer-a-catholic-nation). *Crisis Magazine*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** O'Connor, Alison (4 November 2022). ["Alison O'Connor: We may be appalled at the sermon, but Fr Sheehy spouted company policy"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-40998362.html). *Irish Examiner*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Perrins, Laura (2 November 2022). ["Has a Catholic priest in Ireland really been cancelled by his Bishop for preaching against sin?"](https://catholicherald.co.uk/has-a-catholic-priest-really-been-cancelled-by-his-bishop-for-preaching-against-sin/). *Catholic Herald*. Retrieved 18 February 2023.

## External links

- [Bishop Raymond Anthony Browne](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbrwnr.html) on [Catholic-Hierarchy.org](/source/Catholic-Hierarchy.org)

- [Diocese of Kerry](https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/) - official website

v t e Roman Catholic bishops of Kerry Early modern Denis Moynihan Eamon Casey Kevin McNamara Diarmaid O’ Súilleabháin William Murphy Raymond Browne

v t e Catholic Church in Ireland Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference Dioceses Province of Armagh: Archdiocese of Armagh Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocese of Clogher Diocese of Derry Diocese of Down and Connor Diocese of Dromore Diocese of Kilmore Diocese of Meath Diocese of Raphoe Province of Cashel: Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly Diocese of Cloyne Cork and Ross Diocese of Kerry Diocese of Killaloe Diocese of Limerick Diocese of Waterford and Lismore Diocese of Kilfenora Province of Dublin: Archdiocese of Dublin Diocese of Ferns Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin Diocese of Ossory Province of Tuam: Archdiocese of Tuam Diocese of Achonry Diocese of Clonfert Diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh Diocese of Elphin Diocese of Killala Bishops Archbishop of Armagh (Eamon Martin) Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise (Paul Connell) Bishop of Clogher (Lawrence Duffy) Bishop of Derry (Donal McKeown) Bishop of Down and Connor (Noel Treanor) Bishop of Dromore (sede vacante) Bishop of Kilmore (Martin Hayes) Bishop of Meath (Thomas Deenihan) Bishop of Raphoe (Alan McGuckian) Archbishop of Cashel and Emly (Kieran O'Reilly) Bishop of Cloyne (William Crean) Bishop of Cork and Ross (Fintan Gavin) Bishop of Kerry (Raymond Browne) Bishop of Killaloe (Fintan Monahan) Bishop of Limerick (Brendan Leahy) Bishop of Waterford and Lismore (Alphonsus Cullinan) Archbishop of Dublin (Dermot Farrell) Bishop of Ferns (Gerard Nash) Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin (Denis Nulty) Bishop of Ossory (Niall Coll) Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Killala (Francis Duffy) Bishop of Clonfert and Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora (Michael Duignan) Bishop of Achonry and Bishop of Elphin (Kevin Doran) Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Apostolic Visitor (Kenneth Nowakowski) Churches Armagh Cathedral Belfast Cathedral Cavan Cathedral Derry Cathedral Letterkenny Cathedral Longford Cathedral Monaghan Cathedral Mullingar Cathedral Newry Cathedral Cobh Cathedral Cork Cathedral Ennis Cathedral Killarney Cathedral Limerick Cathedral Skibbereen Cathedral Thurles Cathedral Waterford Cathedral Carlow Cathedral Dublin Cathedral Enniscorthy Cathedral Kilkenny Cathedral Ballaghaderreen Cathedral Ballina Cathedral Galway Cathedral Loughrea Cathedral Sligo Cathedral Tuam Cathedral List of Catholic churches in Ireland See also Knock Shrine St Patrick's Purgatory St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth List of monastic houses in Ireland List of Catholic schools in Ireland by religious order List of saints of Ireland Apostolic Nunciature to Ireland Holy See–Ireland relations Catholicism portal Ireland portal

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Raymond Browne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Browne) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Browne?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.