Axed St Mary's South Brisbane administrator Fr Peter Kennedy says he will say Mass at the parish this Sunday despite his removal but he apologised for describing his successor as a "religious scab". A spokesman for the St Mary's parish in South Brisbane said Fr Peter Kennedy had received a decree from Archbishop John Bathersby, the Brisbane Times reports.
The decree said Fr Kennedy had "caused harm to ecclesiastical communion in spite of frequent requests from me to do otherwise."
"I hereby remove you from the office of administrator of St Mary's Parish, South Brisbane, effective immediately," the decree read.
In his decree, the archbishop said Fr Kennedy had "caused harm to ecclesiastical communion in spite of frequent requests from me to do otherwise". And in a statement he said: "This decision brings me no satisfaction as division within the Church is contrary to all that Christ taught."
The decree said Fr Kennedy had the right to appeal the decision, initially to the archbishop and subsequently to a "higher authority".
But an appeal would not suspend the effect of the decree, Archbishop Bathersby said.
Community backs Fr Kennedy
Earlier, spokeswoman Karyn Walsh said the St Mary's community was shocked and disappointed at the process launched by church authorities against Fr Kennedy.
"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."
"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 to appeal
Fr Kennedy, who is seeking the advice of a barrister on an appeal, told reporters at his church he intended to celebrate Mass on Sunday at 9am.
"I am determined to go ahead and hold Mass," he said.
Fr Kennedy said he expected around 1,000 people to crowd into the church.
His interim replacement, Cathedral Dean Fr Ken Howell, has said he will celebrate Mass at 7am, but it is uncertain whether he will also attend the 9am service.
Fr Kennedy also apologised for calling the Dean a "religious scab" on Wednesday.
"I'm sorry I said that. I looked up the definition of 'scab' in the dictionary this morning and the Dean is certainly not that," he said.
But he defended his legacy."According to the law, the Archbishop has ended my 44 years as a priest," Fr Kennedy said, addressing parishioners and media.
"I have a sense of betrayal because I don't think we've done anything wrong," he said.
He said he was concerned about the continuance of the parish's work with the homeless and indigenous communities because his flock would not be there.
"There won't be a community, there won't be a parish," he said.
"Most people wouldn't receive Mass if I wasn't here and we get people from all over the city coming here."
"Do you really think that people are going to drive from up to 20 kilometres away now?
"When I first started at St Mary's 28 years ago, there were only 10 people on a Sunday, and it will go back to that."
His interim replacement, Cathedral Dean Fr Ken Howell, has said he will celebrate Mass at 7am, but it is uncertain whether he will also attend the 9am service.
Fr Kennedy said that he had sought legal advice and would be appealing the decision, but said for now he would be attending the Mass on Sunday.
However, being removed from office hasn't dented Fr Kennedy's sense of humour: when asked what he would do if the appeals process failed, he said he would take up singing.
National Council of Priests concernedIn a statement issued yesterday, the National Council of Priests said the situation at St Mary's "has been a great cause of concern, particularly as we all acknowledge the Gospel imperative to reach out to God's most needy and to stand with those on the fringe of society as Christ did."
"During his time as Parish Priest of St Mary's, Peter Kennedy has done this," the statement continued. "He was instrumental in building up a community of people who were inspired by the vision of Jesus.
"Lay leadership was encouraged and respected. People of all walks of life felt welcomed and included, particularly our aboriginal brothers and sisters, yet tensions developed within the institutional framework of Church.
"The Archbishop of Brisbane, John Bathersby, was called upon to respond to what some saw as inconsistencies in some liturgical practices at St Mary's.
"John Bathersby is himself a man of compassion and pastoral sensitivity. He has a deep respect for his priests.
"He made the decision to remove Peter from the parish. Undoubtedly this was a very difficult decision, personally, for Archbishop Bathersby.
"The executive of the National Council of Priests of Australia acknowledges the pain of all concerned: Fr Peter Kennedy, the Archbishop and the people of St Mary's and assures them all of our prayers.
"The removal of Peter Kennedy has been a cause of great sadness. Some questions remain and will be tested in various forums.
"Newly appointed Administrator of St Mary's, Ken Howell, faces a very challenging time following Peter Kennedy. He has stated publicly that he hopes to initiate a process of healing in the parish," the statement said.
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(Source: CTHN)