Fr Bernárd Lynch receiving his Freedom of the City of London from officials at The Guildhall London.Noel Mullen

Doctor Bernárd J. Lynch, the renowned Irish Catholic priest, psychotherapist, and tireless human rights advocate, was honored with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London on January 17 in recognition of his decades of activism and unwavering commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

Catherina Casey, the founder of Irish in London and a 2023 recipient of the Freedom of the City of London, told IrishCentral on Wednesday that she and Vince Dignam, another Freeman of Irish heritage, nominated Fr Lynch for honor in recognition of his incredible work. 

Born in 1947 in Ennis, Co Clare, Fr. Bernárd Lynch's life has been one of profound service, advocacy, and courage, the group Irish in London said in a statement this week.

Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1971, Lynch became a groundbreaking figure in his work for LGBT rights, the dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated compassion, integrity, and resilience in the face of adversity, working to challenge discrimination and support marginalised communities.

Lynch is perhaps best known for being the first Catholic priest in the world to enter a civil partnership in 2006, a decision that shocked the foundations of both the Church and society.

In 2017, he further solidified his personal and professional commitment to equality by marrying his husband, Billy Desmond, in Ireland.

His advocacy for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people began early in his career, including his pivotal role in founding the first AIDS ministry in New York City in 1982. This important initiative, which helped thousands of individuals affected by the AIDS crisis, earned him global recognition.

His journey as an outspoken advocate is well-documented in the films "AIDS: A Priest’s Testament" (1987) and "Soul Survivor" (1990), which chronicle his efforts to offer care, support, and dignity to those living with HIV/AIDS.

Lynch’s leadership was instrumental in the successful passage of New York City's 1986 lesbian and gay rights bill, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and public accommodations.

His advocacy for people with AIDS and LGBT rights brought down on him a false prosecution perpetrated by church and government officials opposed to his work—charges that he faced down in the Bronx Supreme Court, winning total exoneration from Justice Burton Robers as documented in the documentary film "A Priest on Trial" in 1990 and the podcast "Falsely Accused" in 2023.

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Over the years, Lynch's extraordinary contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Magnus Hirschfeld Award for LGBT civil rights (1988) and a proclamation from the New York City Council in 2017 for his lifetime of service. In 2019, he was awarded the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his charitable works abroad, and in 2023, he was honoured by Clare County Council for his influence and efforts in advancing equality, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community and those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Lynch’s dedication to public service and equality is also reflected in his academic contributions, with several books and essays written on the intersection of faith, sexuality, and activism. His personal papers, chronicling more than 50 years of public and private life, were acquired by the National Library of Ireland in 2022, providing a vital record of his legacy.

Irish in London said this week that the award of the Freedom of the City of London is a fitting tribute to Dr. Bernárd J. Lynch’s tireless work, which continues to inspire future generations of activists and allies around the world.

This recognition celebrates not only his personal achievements but also the significant social change he has brought about for LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those living with HIV/AIDS. It also honours his unwavering commitment to challenging injustice, discrimination, and prejudice in all forms, leaving an indelible mark on society.