Paul Smith
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Accommodating the law
Oliver Plunkett and John Brenan
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Two of Ireland’s most powerful clerics, Plunkett, the primate and Brenan, the Archbishop of Cashel, were of a similar mindset, having studied together in Rome. A great deal is known of their approach through their letters, which are preserved in Rome and elsewhere. They believed their wisest course was to guide their flock through a process of accommodation rather than conflict with an antagonistic administration, and to cultivate good relations, particularly with the viceroy. They knew from first-hand experience the challenges faced by the Catholic Church, but sought to deflect hostile intervention by the authorities and to minimise the worst excesses of any new initiatives. They had some notable success with Viceroys Robartes and Berkeley, particularly in education and dealing with charges of exercising papal jurisdiction levied against clerical colleagues. Rather less was achieved with Essex, during whose period in office Plunkett and Brenan had to go into hiding. Essex was succeeded by Ormond, who was unable to prevent Plunkett falling victim to the anti-Catholic hysteria of the English Popish Plot. Before his execution, Plunkett summarised his religious and political philosophy, and insisted on the superiority of divine over man-made law. Brenan survived as archbishop for another 12 years by maintaining a low, elusive, profile and enjoyed the short-lived Catholic revanche on the accession of James II. Plunkett’s prominence as primate and his adamantine character may have played a part in his downfall. In contrast, Brenan died peacefully.

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