Church apology for Irish joke

The magazine is circulated among worshippers at St Mary's Church

The Church in Wales has apologised for any offence caused by a joke in a north Wales parish magazine.

The piece, published in the Mold Parish Magazine under the title Irish Medical Dictionary, gave alternative meanings for well-known medical terms.

Reverend Ian Day, Vicar of Mold, said he apologised unreservedly for any offence caused to the Irish community, adding that the Welsh were often the butt of similar humour.

He added that the piece was intended to be a light-hearted item.

The Mold Parish Magazine is published monthly and has a circulation of around 350 in the parish congregation in St Mary's Church in Mold and St James' Church in New Brighton, Flintshire.

The Welsh are often the butt of jokes and so I can understand why some members of the Irish community might be feeling aggrieved Reverend Ian Day

Mr Day said: "I am deeply concerned by reports that this light-hearted piece in the last edition of the Mold Parish newsletter has caused offence to anyone and I am happy to apologise unreservedly if this is the case.

"Clearly this was never the intention of anyone in the parish of Mold.

"I am particularly concerned at any offence which might have been felt by the Irish community.

"The Welsh are often the butt of jokes and so I can understand why some members of the Irish community might be feeling aggrieved.

'Reflection and humour'

"However, let me give them my categorical assurances that no offence was meant and offer them my sincerest apologies if they have been offended by what was intended as a light-hearted magazine filler."

Mr Day added that he would be keeping a close eye on the magazine's content.

He said: "We will certainly be making sure that we keep an closer eye on the magazine's content in future in order to do our utmost to ensure that this kind of situation does not arise again.

"The magazine is intended to be a mixture of news, teaching, reflection and humour but I hope that this incident does not mean the end of humour in this publication."