Former Catholic priest Pat Buckley has launched a High Court bid for "squatter's
rights" to the home he has lived in since his suspension from the
priesthood 25 years ago, it has emerged.
The maverick cleric is seeking 'adverse possession' of the house in Larne used
by members of his Oratory congregation.
He has brought a case against the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor, as the
registered owners of the property where he also conducts marriages. Retired
bishop Patrick Walsh is also named in the action.
Bishop Buckley, who is appearing unrepresented, says he wants his name on the
deeds so he can carry out £70,000 worth of repairs needed to the property.
Bishop Buckley pointed out that an objecting affidavit had been submitted by
Bishop Walsh more than a year after he had retired from his position.
The cleric, who hit the headlines over his own civil partnership last year,
contended that it should have been lodged by his successor, Bishop Noel
Treanor.
Mr Justice Deeney said that although the court has experience in "quasi-ecclesiastical"
issues his duty did not extend to canonical law.
Counsel for the respondents said Bishop Walsh's affidavit dealt with the facts
of the case.
He expressed reservations about any attempt to have the current
bishop brought to court to be cross-examined.
A date for the hearing of the trial is due to be fixed in September.
Outside the court Bishop Buckley set out his reasons for seeking possession of
the house where he lives with his civil partner, his sister and two Jack
Russell dogs.
He said: "I am not motivated by greed or looking for profit.
"But the house needed £70,000 (of work) to make it safe and in order to
get a mortgage my
name has to be on the deeds."
Profile
Fr Pat Buckley was suspended as a Catholic priest in 1986 and excommunicated
in 1998 following his unlawful ordination as a bishop.
He conducts an "independent
ministry" from Larne, Co Antrim.
He describes himself as the "unofficial
chaplain" to disaffected and alienated Catholics and Christians, and
others, from across Ireland and further afield.