Brisbane's rebel priest collapses as replacement arrives

February 16, 2009

A rebellious priest in Brisbane, Australia, who is fighting the decision by Archbishop John Bathersby to remove him from parish ministry, was taken ill this weekend, just as his replacement arrived. Father Peter Kennedy, who had been relieved of duty as pastor of St. Mary's parish, collapsed on Sunday night, apparently of exhaustion. He was sent home after being examined at a nearby hospital. Father Ken Howell, the new pastor at St. Mary's, had said that he hopes for a "smooth transition," and that this top priority will be to encourage "a process of healing" after the sharp confrontation between the parish community and the Brisbane archdiocese. Father Kennedy, who plans a legal appeal of the archbishop's orders, said that his ouster "came as a surprise," even though the parish had announced its intention to defy the archbishop's orders for changes in unorthodox liturgical practices and doctrinal teachings.

 

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Further information:

• Jesus also unorthodox: rebel priest (The Australian)
• New priest hopes to 'heal community' (The Australian)