Rebel priest vows to continue ministry at Brisbane parish despite bishop's order

February 19, 2009

Father Peter Kennedy, who has been removed from his post as pastor of St. Mary's parish in South Brisbane, Australia, has announced that he plans to defy the order from Archbishop John Bathersby and celebrate Mass there this Sunday. Referring to the priest who had been named by the archbishop to take his place, Father Kennedy said: "The people are not going to receive Father Howell." He had earlier described his replacement as "a religious scab," and although he retracted that description, Kennedy continued to say that the people of the rebellious parish community would refuse to accept a new pastor.

 

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Further information:

• Sacked priest Father Peter Kennedy vows to celebrate mass (The Australian)
• St Mary's Father Peter Kennedy brands replacement 'religious scab' (Courier-Mail)