Blood carpet pair unrepentant

By ALAN PERROTT

The Catholic priest and activist who spilled their own blood onto the floor of the US consulate office in protest at the Iraq war have rejected an apology offered on their behalf.

Bishop Patrick Dunn yesterday offered a written apology for the act on behalf of the Catholic community and also offered to foot the cleaning bill.

The Auckland bishop said the pouring of a one-metre blood cross was offensive and had abused the hospitality offered by Auckland-based Consulate-General Douglas Berry.

Father Peter Murnane, 62, a Dominican friar and Auckland University chaplain, remains unrepentant and said Monday's gesture was calculated to be shocking.

"We made a sacred sign to point out a sacrilege and obscenity in our midst," he said.

The blood had been concealed in sealed bags tied around their waists with shoelaces. Both were surprised the packages had not been detected. The US Embassy in Wellington says it will review security.

Fellow protester Nicholas Drake, 32, said he was reluctant to take part in the direct action, but it came from "a feeling of real necessity and deep sorrow".

He objects to the Church's offer to pay for repairs as it suggests their act was wrong.

"I'm more than happy for the price of United States' war to be raised by one carpet."

Father Murnane's fellow Dominican friars have since offered to pay the bill instead of the larger Catholic community and wish to match that amount with a donation to help those suffering from the effects of the depleted uranium shells being used in Iraq.

The pair said they had received many responses, both strongly for and against. An Iraqi Catholic brought tears to their eyes when she thanked them for sharing their own blood with the people of Iraq.