Friar's blood protest 'about gospel'

By ALAN PERROTT

Pouring his own blood at the feet of the United States Consulate-General was a means of preaching the gospel for Dominican Friar Peter Murnane.

"The word of God is not just spread from the pulpit," he said. "Our act was a preaching aimed at making people think and take a look at the reality underneath this war.

"Sometimes challenging things directly is the right thing to do."

Along with fellow Catholic activist Nicholas Drake, the 62-year-old Auckland University chaplain reached under his shirt, produced a bag containing his blood and painted a 1m crucifix on the carpet before Consul-General Douglas Berry.

The pair have since rejected a written apology and offer to cover any cleaning bill sent by Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn.

Father Murnane, who has been in the Dominican Order for 44 years, called the act a "token symbolic gesture" but it attracted immediate reaction from around the world. He and Mr Drake are one of the few who have managed to deliver a direct anti-war protest to a US Government official.

Much of their week has been spent talking to media and responding to more than 100 emails, letters and phone messages. The Australian-born Friar, who came to New Zealand nine years ago, estimates about 90 per cent have supported the stand.

Among them are an Iraqi woman living in Auckland who thanked him for sharing his blood with her people, and a simple "We're with you, mate" e-mail from Ciarron O'Reilly, an Irishman working in a factory producing cruise missiles.

But if Father Murnane appeared a little embarrassed by the attention, it would not stop his protest.

"You are joining the oppressors if you say nothing. It's compliance ... "

Father Murnane attributes much of his activism to his parents.

"My father was very egalitarian and often questioned the authorities for their pretentiousness. I learned a lot about life from them and the social principles of the Catholic Church regarding human rights and the rights of workers."

For the past four years he has put those principles into practice with Dominican Sister Mary Anna Baird, visiting countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region to promote human rights.


Herald Feature: Iraq