A Brisbane church congregation has vowed to fight a move by Archbishop John Bathersby to sack their controversial priest, saying they will rally against the Catholic authority's action. The rift has widened over the archbishop's decision to oust Father Peter Kennedy, the parish priest of St Mary's in South Brisbane, who has come under fire for unorthodox practices such as allowing women to preach and blessing homosexual couples.
"The community at St Mary's Catholic Church in South Brisbane is deeply disappointed with the way they have been treated by the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane John Bathersby," a statement from the church community said.
"The community also reiterates its support for Fr Peter Kennedy as priest, visionary, leader and man of faith, integrity and compassion."
Fr Kennedy said he was given until noon (AEST) on Wednesday to resign or be removed. However, as of Wednesday night there was no sign of a threatened decree from Archbishop Bathersby announcing his sacking.
Spokeswoman Karyn Walsh said the St Mary's community was shocked and disappointed at the process launched by church authorities, which she said would result in a decree to terminate Fr Kennedy as administrator of St Mary's.
"We are shocked and extremely disappointed the archbishop has chosen to address matters in the manner he has," Ms Walsh said.
St Mary's community member John Fitz-Walter said despite many invitations, Archbishop Bathersby refused to engage with the congregation.
"The spiritual life of over 1,000 people warrants greater attention to fairness and integrity then the harsh course of action the archbishop has taken.
"The community, as well as Peter Kennedy, has been told by the archbishop they are out of communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
"The St Mary's community in South Brisbane continues to declare it is a strong, vibrant, united and healthy Roman Catholic Community," Mr Fitz-Walter said.
Fr Kennedy said on Wednesday he expected to be declared a heretic by Sunday, but he was determined to conduct church services this weekend.
He labelled a priest appointed to St Mary's a "scab".
The St Mary's community is organising rallies to support Fr Kennedy this weekend and local Aborigines have vowed to establish a tent embassy on St Mary's land.
Fr Kennedy has attracted controversy not only because of his views on women and gays. Catholic authorities have also raised questions about the validity of baptisms at St Mary's.
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(Source: BTC)