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	Huge Support As Controversial Cleric 'Stands Aside' By Jennifer Long Waterford News & Star [Ireland] June 9, 2006 http://www.waterford-news.ie/news/story.asp?j=22083 ON the 25th anniversary of his ordination, controversial cleric Fr. Michael Kennedy temporarily bowed out of his duties as parish priest of the parish of Dunhill on Monday night. After a 'farewell' Mass attended by both locals and outsiders, the controversial cleric was bid adieu at a special function in Harney's pub in Dunhill which was also attended by up to 13 priests who supported him at the Mass. After a series of meetings with Bishop William Lee, the Waterford News & Star can reveal that the cleric has decided to go on administrative leave from his ministry as Dunhill/Fenor PP to allow the church to complete its investigations into an allegation of misconduct made against him in 2003. When this surfaced, Fr. Kennedy agreed to stand aside from his duties pending the enquiries and it's understood he spent time in Canada. But he caused controversy by coming back last March and resuming his parish duties -without the 'green light' from Bishop Lee. For the past three weeks and despite receiving a letter from the bishop asking him to leave, Fr. Kennedy has stood firm - supported by local residents - and has continued to say Masses in the parish. However, it's been confirmed that agreement has now been reached between himself and the Bishop that he will 'stand aside' again until the investigation is complete. On Monday night - from which his administrative leave is effective - a huge crowd of locals gathered as Fr. Kennedy said Mass in the parish church. "The support for him was overwhelming,' said one parishioner. "Elderly people - with whom Fr. Kennedy is very popular turned up in their droves while a bus load even came from Grangemockler." "The crowds at the Mass, which was organised to celebrate his 25 years but was also a bit of a 'farewell' Mass, indicated the massive support Fr. Kennedy has. At the function afterwards, speeches were made by locals who said how much they'd miss him and wanted him back. His own view, even, is that he will be back - and before too long." In a statement to the Waterford News & Star yesterday, Bishop William Lee said that Fr. Kennedy agreed to stand aside from his duties as PP of Dunhill/Fenor in October 2003 and during his period of absence had under-took a course of professional assessment and support. "In March 2006, Fr. Kennedy returned to ministry at Dunhill/Fenor. His stated position has been that since his withdrawal from ministry has been voluntary, he was entitled to do so. The position was not accepted by Bishop Lee and his return to ministry did not have his sanction," it read. "Following discussion between Fr. Kennedy and Bishop Lee and their respective advisers, it has been decided that Fr. Kennedy will take administrative leave commencing on June 5 from his ministry in the parish of Dunhill and Fenor." "This will afford Bishop Lee and Fr. Kennedy the necessary time to deal with issues which if satisfactorily addressed, could facilitate his return to ministry."
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