Cleveland priest defies bishop, starts breakaway group
August 16, 2010
Defying a directive from Bishop Richard Lennon, a priest of a Cleveland parish closed in April has founded a new worship community. Father Robert Marrone was joined by 325 of his 700 former parishioners in a leased commercial building.
“The Community of St. Peter holds to the fundamental teachings and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church,” said one layman. “We consider ourselves neither a focal point of dissent nor a schismatic organization. We do stand, however, in opposition to the closing of our church as well as so many others in our diocese.”
“I see this as an act of disobedience, not a schism,” added Father Marrone. “But I suspect we’ll get accused of schism.”
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Posted by: -
Aug. 21, 2010 7:39 AM ET USA
If the shoe fits...
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Aug. 17, 2010 9:15 AM ET USA
Disobedience to one's bishop is OK? Fr.Marrone is on a power trip. He is leading his parishioners down the rosy path of setting up their own god,just like the Israelites did so many times! How patient God is with us,even when we turn away from Him.
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Posted by: umpynelson3459 -
Aug. 16, 2010 6:43 PM ET USA
Hummm . When did the Catholic Church change it's policy on the leadership of the diocese of the Church so as to let the priest be the head honcho. It's just another priest not agreeing with his Bishop. Nothing new with that ..
