ST MARY’S PRIEST SACKED

By Toby Longhurst

The Catholic Church has told Fr Peter Kennedy of the controversial St Mary’s South Brisbane Church that he will be stood down from his post and has encouraged him to retire after the rebellious priest continued to lead community inclusive services; inconsistent with traditional Catholic teachings.

In a letter read out to the packed congregation, Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby informs Fr Kennedy, “I will terminate your appointment as Administrator of St Mary’s Parish effective Saturday, 21st February 2009 unless you were to resign beforehand. I would like to add, without trying to exert pressure, that if you wish to retire from active service as a priest, the Archdiocese will assist you as it does with other priests who retire.”

Archbishop Bathersby continues, “I sincerely hope that St Mary’s emphasis on social justice will remain. However such matters should be discussed with the new Administrator.” That new Administrator will be Dean Ken Howell of the more conservative St Stephen’s Cathedral. It is believed to be the first time a priest has been stood down for this reason in Australia.

For decades, St Mary’s Church has been renowned for its social justice programs for the homeless and Indigenous communities, but has gained the ire of a number of conservative Christians in recent times for leading progressive services which include blessing homosexuals and allowing female preachers. St Mary’s has been the long term home of the Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir.

Though there have been talks of a breakaway congregation, Fr Kennedy has not revealed his future plans, but told parishioners of his disappointment and has urged the Archbishop to personally visit the community and reconsider.