Oregon priest, removed as pastor, threatens to establish rival congregation
October 20, 2014
A Catholic priest whose bishop removed him from his post as a pastor in Bend, Oregon, has announced plans to set up a rival congregation.
Father James Radloff, who had been pastor of St. Francis of Assisi church in Bend until his removal last year, had appealed to the Vatican, hoping to remain in that post. But when that appeal was denied, he said that he would join the Holy Communion Evangelical Catholic Church, a tiny sect, and set up a new community.
Bishop Liam Cary of Baker has urged Father Radloff to “reconsider his decision in light of the detrimental effects it will have on him personally and on the Catholic faithful he has served so long.” The bishop said that the doors would be open if Father Radloff wishes to return. To date the priest has not responded.
The Baker diocese has not announced the bishop’s reasons for removing Father Radloff, who had been pastor in Bend for two years.
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Further information:
- Bend priest appeals bishop's decision to remove him as pastor (Oregon Live)
- Bishop asks ousted Bend priest to come back (Bend Bulletin)
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Posted by: feedback -
Oct. 21, 2014 9:44 PM ET USA
Whatever the original reasons for removal, that Priest's subsequent plans to secede and set up a "rival" congregation ironically prove that the Bishop had made the right decision taking him off his pastoral position. In this situation nothing works better than respectful obedience to the Bishop.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Oct. 21, 2014 9:22 PM ET USA
You are a little late with this article. James Radloff did this quite some time ago. Now he is suing the Diocese of Baker as well as St. Francis of Assisi parish in Bend, and the Legacy of Faith Fund. Radloff joined up with a schismatic sect known as the Evangelical Catholic Church, and he is holding services every weekend at the Senior Citizens Center in Bend.
