Showdown looms for rebellious parish in Brisbane

December 01, 2008

The members of an embattled parish in the Brisbane, Australia archdiocese have rejected a warning from Archbishop John Bathersby, who had said that the parish risked separating itself from the Catholic Church because of its unorthodox teaching and liturgical practices. The archbishop had warned that if he did not receive assurances by December 1 that the parish would submit to the authority of the Church, he would "begin a formal process to address the situation." In a letter of reply, delivered on the deadline date, parishioners said: "Whether or not we agree on everything, St Mary's is part of the Catholic Church." While refusing to alter illicit liturgical practices, the parishioners and their pastor called upon the archbishop to "respect our decision to declare ourselves, as you asked, to be in communion with the Catholic Church."

 

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Further information:

• St Mary's Catholic Church rejects 'out of step' charge (Courier-Mail)
• Parish at risk of excommunication (The Australian)
• D-day dawns at rebel church (Brisbane Times)
• Rebel Australian parishioners risk excommunication, archbishop warn (CWN, Nov. 3)