FORBIDDEN FRUIT - Life and Catholicism in Contemporary Ireland

The Irish Catholic Church is crumbling. To some this is devastating. For others, inevitable. The clerical abuse scandals of the ‘90s, sparked this irreparable demise which continues to disintegrate at an alarming rate.

Written by Declan Henry - who still has an affinity for the Catholic Church, the religion of his Irish upbringing - his latest book looks in-depth at key aspects affecting its demise today and investigates the secret undercurrents of homophobia, hypocrisy and intolerance. Forbidden Fruit is the culmination of Henry’s extensive research and interviews with thirty Catholic priests – some who requested anonymity and others who were comfortable to be identified. The result is hard-hitting, controversial and disturbing. Confession takes on a new meaning for the Catholic priests’ revelations of their innermost thoughts, emotions, hopes, fears and beliefs.

Pulling no punches, this book exposes the hypocrisy of gay priests in the Catholic Church and the damage their internal homophobia wreaks on gay men in particular, the church’s damning attitude towards the LGBT community and the aftermath of the scandals, as well as presenting a compelling insight into Ireland, a country once embedded in Catholicism which is quickly becoming one of the most politically progressive countries of the world.

Forbidden Fruit also presents a current and real discussion on young people. Does the church envisage a strong and solid future with the next generation of church-goers? Will it embrace their energy, fresh outlook and plethora of opinions on all kinds of intelligent subjects or just revert to default position; manipulation, power and secrets?

After reading this book you will have much to consider about the Irish Catholic Church, the position of faith in a contemporary society, and the Catholic priest’s role in today’s fast-changing world. Whether you are religious, have a strong Catholic faith, or are simply fascinated by the intricacies of a crumbling empire, you will find much to glean in this provocative read.

Declan Henry, an Irish Catholic, comes from a distinguished academic background. He studied at two of London’s elite universities – Goldsmiths College and King’s College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in Education and Community Studies and a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Social Work. He is also a registered social worker. Declan is the author of six other books and numerous published articles. He has written on a wide range of diverse topics including a book on bipolar disorder, ADHD, transgender people, Islam, young offenders and a book about growing up in Ireland.