St Mary's saga hits Supreme Court

Former St Mary's administrator, Father Peter Kennedy has taken legal action in Queensland's Supreme Court seeking an injunction on his removal from his position until the matter can be heard in court. The controversial priest then appealed to the Vatican to overturn his termination handed down by Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby.

This latest chapter in the St Mary's saga comes after the Catholic Church made legal threats of their own last week after Fr Kennedy refused to take part in a formal mediation process headed by former High Court judge Ian Callinan. The mediation is now set to go ahead without the involvement of Father Kennedy with St Mary's being represented by members of the St Mary's community council and steering committee.

Church spokeswoman Karyn Walsh  told The Courier Mail "The St Mary's community council and the steering committee want to avoid court orders, injunctions or the community being locked out of the church," Ms Walsh said. 

"This was a very difficult decision for the community to take. It's not a decision that in any way changes our position regarding and support for Peter.

Fr Kennedy had previously told QNews that he would not enter into negotiations unless the issues surrounding his termination were addressed and that it was mediation in the true sense of the word - not just a peaceful way to bring in the proposed new Administrator, St Stephen's Cathedral Dean, Fr Ken Howell.