Australian bishop who called for discussion of women’s ordination resigns

June 07, 2012

The Holy See Press Office announced on June 7 that Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Power of Canberra and Goulburn has resigned from his position, which he has held since 1986.

The resignation of Bishop Power comes five years before the normal retirement age of 75 and one year after he threatened to resign over his dissatisfaction with the state of the Church.

In 2010, Bishop Power called for "total systematic reform" of the Church, including a reconsideration of "the authoritarian nature of the Church, compulsory celibacy for the clergy, the participation of women in the Church, the teaching on sexuality in all aspects." He has also called for an open discussion of women's ordination.

The archdiocese has announced a schedule of farewell Masses, teas, and other gatherings in the weeks ahead.

 

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Further information:

• Rinunce e Nomine (Holy See)
• Farewells to Bishop Pat (Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn)
• Liberal Australian bishop threatens resignation (CWN, 3/8/11)
• Australian bishop backs reconsideration of celibacy, women's ordination (CWN, 4/23/07)