Brisbane parish not in communion, but archbishop delays action

January 05, 2009

A month after his own deadline, Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, Australia has not taken action against a rebellious parish community. The archbishop had warned that St. Mary's parish of South Brisbane was putting itself outside the communion of the Catholic Church by its radical liturgical and doctrinal innovations. After parishioners rejected the demand for reform, the archbishop now admits that there is "not the slightest indication" of a return to orthodoxy. In a new message to the pastor, Archbishop Bathersby indicated that he is not satisfied with the parishioners' claims to be loyal Catholics, and said that it is "frightening" that 700- 900 people regularly attend services at the rebellious church. The archbishop said that he would take further action as soon as he could provide a full explanation for his decisions; he indicated this would probably be at the end of January.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop ponders on renegade St Mary's expulsion (The Australian)
• Rebel Australian parishioners risk excommunication, archbishop warns (CWN, Nov 3)
• Showdown looms for rebellious parish in Brisbane (CWN, Dec. 1)