Australian archbishop weighs in on bishop’s removal
May 04, 2011
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane said he supported Pope Benedict’s decision to remove Bishop William Morris from his position as Bishop of Toowoomba, one of Brisbane’s suffragan sees.
“I feel sad about it all, but I'm sure there must be a lot of reason in the decision the Pope has made,” he said. “I don't know all the ins and outs of the situation of what a bishop may have done. I think that's something between the bishop and the Pope.”
Commenting on reports that Bishop Morris was removed over remarks on women’s ordination, Archbishop Bathersby said that “the Roman Catholic Church is hierarchical and the Pope is at the top of it, and when the Pope makes a decision we accept it.”
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Further information:
- Archbishop backs 'good' bishop's sacking (Sydney Morning Herald)
- Australian bishop removed from office, blasts Pope, Curia (CWN, 5/3)
- Administrator named for Australian diocese after bishop's removal (CWN, 5/3)
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