Controversial Catholic Priest to Speak at Unitarian Church

By Lane Lambert
The Patriot Ledger
June 26, 2013

http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x1293260950/Controversial-Catholic-priest-to-speak-at-Unitarian-church#axzz2XM66yCmq

DEDHAM —

A controversial, reformist Austrian priest will speak in Dedham as planned July 17. But it won’t be at a Roman Catholic church.

The Rev. Helmut Schuller was originally scheduled to be at 7 p.m. that day at St. Susannah Parish, but Cardinal Sean O’Malley has banned him from speaking on church property, because the Rev. Schuller supports married priests and the ordination of women.

Cardinal O’Malley said Boston Archdiocese property can’t be used for a talk that’s contrary to Vatican doctrine.

That action prompted a swift invitation from the Unitarian Universalist First Church in Dedham, a four-minute drive from St. Susannah.

The lay Catholic group Voice Of The Faithful said Wednesday the Rev. Schuller will speak there as the same time and day, July 17 at 7 p.m.

First Church is located at 262 Needham St.

Voice Of The Faithful spokesman Nick Ingala said the Rev. Schuller’s talk is free and open to the public. Voluntary donations will be accepted.

Dedham will be one of 15 speaking visits the Rev. Schuller will make this summer, to raise awareness of a global priest shortage and appeal for a change in the rules for priest ordination.

He also says Communion should be fully open to Catholics who’ve divorced and remarried.

The Rev. Schuller has been speaking on the issue since 2006. In 2011 former Pope Benedict XVI stripped the Rev. Schuller of an honorary title of monsignor, but he remains a priest in good standing.