Judge Seeks to Finalize Case Vs. St. Mary’s Priest

By Norma Zager
Los Feliz Ledger
September 27, 2012

http://www.losfelizledger.com/2012/09/judge-seeks-to-finalize-case-vs-st-mary’s-priest/

Father Kelley

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael P. Linfield requested Sept. 19th attorneys involved in the closure of St. Mary’s of the Angels church to file what’s known as a “summary judgment” in order to proceed with the eviction of Father Christopher Kelley—who was fired from the church in June.

Since Kelley’s firing, he and some followers have ensconced themselves in the church’s basement and rectory, ignoring the dismissal.

A barrage of court dates and charges have kept the church’s main rectory closed to parishioners as Kelley continued to hold services in the basement.

According to Diocese of the West Canon Tony Morello—who has taken charge of the church since Kelley’s firing—the Judge’s request gives Kelley’s firing validity.

According to Morello, additionally an Ecclesiastical inquiry is scheduled for October 11th. At that time Kelley will be called upon to answer the charges brought against him including violations of the church and his vows. One potential outcome may be to deny Kelley his priesthood.

“The summary judgment should be done within 10 days and then the sheriff can act to evict Father Kelley from the church property,” Morello said. “That process should take three to five days and then we will be able to reopen St. Mary’s to the parishioners.”