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	Priest at Catholic Reform Mass Isn't Worried about Backlash by Archdiocese By Oralandar Brand-Williams Detroit News June 12, 2011 http://www.detnews.com/article/20110612/METRO/106120332/Priest-at-Catholic-reform-mass-isn’t-worried-about-backlash-by-archdiocese Detroit —The Archdiocese of Detroit is seeking a review of a Sunday Mass at a progressive Catholics' group's conference to determine if there were "serious liturgical abuses," church officials said Sunday. "Those abuses, along with several other concerns, will now be — and must be — reviewed by the Detroit archdiocese and, potentially, by the Vatican," spokesman Ned McGrath said. The Rev. Robert Wurm, who presided over the Mass on Sunday at the American Catholic Conference at Cobo Center, had said he didn't believe the archdiocese would take action against him. "I felt good about this," said Wurm, 78, who conducted the nearly two-hour service. An estimated 2,000 people attended the three-day convention to discuss changes within the church. Members of the organization want to see reforms such as allowing women to be ordained as priests and letting married men serve as priests. The group's members also are calling for more transparency in church finances. The conference was not sanctioned by the archdiocese. Local Catholics were warned against taking part in it by Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who also cautioned that any priest who presided over Sunday's Mass at the convention could be defrocked. Catholics attending the event, such as Diane Dougherty of Newnan, Ga., said what Wurm did was courageous. "It was exceptionally brave and very meaningful," said Dougherty. "It was a show of solidarity with all the faithful." Janet Hauter, the co-chairwoman of the American Catholic Council, said the conference was a success and feels that leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church will take notice of what the group is asking it to do. "They've got to hear what the people are saying," said Hauter after Mass. "These people are all inspired (for change)." But the conference was not welcomed by Ralph Ascensio, who attends St. Thomas a' Becket in Canton. Ascensio carried a protest sign outside Cobo on Sunday that read, "Don't Protest Obey Jesus!!!" "These people are advocating change," said Ascensio, who got into a quiet debate with another Catholic who seeks change in the church. "It hasn't changed in 2,000 years." Staff Writer Mark Hicks contributed. bwilliams@detnews.com (313) 222-2027
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