Cashel, Council of

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Cashel, Council of, 1171. After Henry II's invasion of Ireland and the submission of the princes (1171), he summoned a council of prelates to Cashel under Christian, bishop of Lismore, and the papal legate in the archbishop of Armagh's absence through old age. By reforming Irish canon law, revising the baptismal rite, introducing tithes, and thus removing Irish irregularities, they brought the church into line with the English church and with Rome. Letters they sent to Pope Alexander III were enthusiastically answered, recognizing Henry's new title as lord of Ireland, despite the horror of Becket's murder the year before.

Revd Dr William M. Marshall