Qld: Priest seeks to 'heal' rogue church community
16 Feb 2009 4:22 PM
BRISBANE, Feb 16 AAP - The priest taking over a Brisbane parish at the centre of a controversial sacking says he hopes he can bring healing to the community.
Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane John Bathersby has sacked South Brisbane priest Peter Kennedy over his unorthodox practices.
The 71-year-old priest fainted and was rushed by ambulance to Brisbane's Mater Hospital on Sunday night, but was not admitted and is now resting at home.
Fr Kennedy had come under fire for allowing women to preach and blessing homosexual couples. Catholic authorities also raised questions about the validity of baptisms at the church.
Administrator Fr Ken Howell said he intended to visit the parish this week to plan for a "smooth transition".
He said he would also celebrate mass on Sunday - the day after Fr Kennedy's termination is effective.
"I look forward to visiting the parish during the week, so that there can be a smooth transition which ensures the celebration of mass at St Mary's this weekend and the continuation of important parish activities such as its outreach to people at a social or economic disadvantage in our community," Fr Howell said in a statement.
"As the new pastor of St Mary's I will be leading the parish in mass this weekend and will be working to ensure that there is a process of healing.
"My hope is we can move forward as a vibrant united community."
He said he was alarmed to hear Fr Kennedy had taken ill and hoped he was recovering.
