By Niraj Warikoo
Detroit Free Press
June 12, 2011
http://www.freep.com/article/20110612/NEWS05/110612013/Catholic-priests-defy-Church-orders-stay-away-from-liberal-Mass
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| Fr. Robert Wurm, a senior priest with the Archdiocese of Detroit, blesses attendees during the liturgy celebrated at the American Catholic Council gathering at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich., Sunday, June 12, 2011. To his left is John Hushon of Naples, Florida. |
Defying the Archbishop of Detroit, a Catholic priest from Ferndale led a Mass today in Cobo Center that was organized by the American Catholic Council, a controversial umberalla group of liberal Catholics. And dozens of Catholic priests and deacons from metro Detroit attended the Mass, said organizers.
They participated despite a strict order from Archbiship Allen Vigneron for priests and deacons to not take part in today's Mass because it was led by groups considered heretical by the Catholic Church and could violate Church law. Vigneron warned in a letter that clergy could be punished and defrocked for participating in the Mass.
Rev. Bob Wurm, 78, a retired Catholic priest, presided over the Mass and Eucharistic prayer to some 1,500 assembled inside Cobo Center today. Wurn told the Free Press afterwards he was aware that Archbishiop Allen Vigneron had explicilty warned all priests and deacons to not participate. But he said he's not worried being punished.
"I don't see that happening," Wurm said. "I'm older than he (Vigneron) is."
Wurm criticized Vigneron's letter that told clergy to stay away.
"He was making a big mistake," Wurm said.
A spokesman for Archbishop Vigneron could not be immediately reached for comment.
The Mass was part of a weekend conference that's drawn some 2,000 liberal Catholics who are upset at the rightward turn of the Catholic Church. They want lay people to have more say in church decision making. Many also want discussion about women, gay, and married priests, and greater accountability on the issue of child abuse by priests.
"Too many Catholics feel there is no hope," co-organizer Janet Hauter said during the Mass to the crowd.
Members of the crowd at the Mass all more stoles, usually only worn by clergy, to symbolize equality and the idea that all Catholics, not just its leaders, represent the Church. On the red stoles, there was a drawing of a dove with the words:
"Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love."
The liberal conference also adopted day a 10-point of bill of rights and responsibilities that calls for more democratization. Discussions continue tonight and Monday.
Church officials say that the liberal conference featured speakers who have teachings that violate Catholic doctrine.
A conservative conference endorsed by the Archdiocese, Call To Holiness, was held over the weekend in Livonia and put more of an emphasis on social issues.
Speakers at the conservative conference railed against abortion, contraception, yoga and the gay rights movement.
Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or 313-223-4792
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