Cleveland's Bishop Lennon excommunicates rebel pastor
March 06, 2013
Bishop Richard Lennon of Cleveland, Ohio, has announced the excommunication of a priest who resisted the bishop’s decision to close his parish and has been leading unauthorized services in a downtown building.
Father Robert Marrone has been excommunicated for “direct defiance of the Church’s teachings and authority,” the bishop said. Father Marrone was the pastor of St. Peter’s church until it was closed in 2010. He then led his parishioners in a break with the diocese.
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Mar. 10, 2013 8:19 AM ET USA
I think the bishop's action was fully justified. My only question is why many (most?) American bishops ignore even clear examples of “direct defiance of the Church’s teachings and authority” every day? Report to a bishop about a priest in his diocese who openly advocates, for example, 'ordination' of women and see how long it takes for the chancery to act. (This is not hypothetical; I know of such a case.) Don't hold your breath.
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Posted by: scotty -
Mar. 06, 2013 9:03 PM ET USA
If this kind of insubordination happened in any other 'career', the person would have been terminated a long time ago. This errant priest has had ample time to return to his vow of obedience. He chose not to obey - "his own free will". For every action, there is a reaction...
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Posted by: filioque -
Mar. 06, 2013 6:25 PM ET USA
Cardinals are much in the air. Nevertheless, it is a little premature for "Cardinal" Lennon. But if he keeps up the good work, maybe he will have a red hat in his future.
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Posted by: mcomstoc6740 -
Mar. 06, 2013 6:06 PM ET USA
The headline to your story has promoted Bishop Lennon. Not that it would be a good idea......
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Posted by: John J Plick -
Mar. 06, 2013 5:27 PM ET USA
Three years to think about it? More than generous... JP
