ABC News
August 25, 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/26/2346400.htm?section=justin
[with video and audio]
# Video: Holy row: Church put on notice for unconventional practices (ABC)
# Audio: Parishioners vote to stay Catholic (The World Today)
# Audio: Full interview with Brisbane Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby (Local Radio Brisbane)
More than 500 people attended a meeting last night about the future of St Mary's Church in South Brisbane.
Brisbane's Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby has asked the community of St Mary's to decide whether it wants to break away from the Roman Catholic Church.
Archbishop Bathersby said yesterday the wording of prayers and the placement of what he believes is a Buddhist statue in the church are unorthodox.
However St Mary's priest Father Peter Kennedy said the statue in question was a young monk praying, not a Buddha.
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| Archbishop Bathersby said yesterday some practices at the church were 'improper'. (AAP Image: Mt Olivet Hospital) |
Archbishop Bathersby outlined his concerns in a three-page letter to the parish.
"At the present time they're not in communion with the church and they have to make that significant decision about it," Archbishop Bathersby said.
At last night's meeting, the parish decided to set up groups to examine issues raised by the Archbishop.
Long-time parishioner Brian O'Halloran said yesterday St Mary's practices were not improper.
"The feeling of the Church of St Mary's is very much that it is of the Church of Rome and of the Diocese," he said.
"We are Catholics and the people that are coming to St Mary's are committed to this church."
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