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Recent Comments

1. Keep talking Peter Kennedy, it's great that we are hearing just how wonky your teaching/thinking is. Don't believe in the Virgin Birth of Jesus? What else? Dear oh dear.

   Posted By: c.d.

2. From 22 February Peter Kennedy will no longer have 'faculties' to operate as a priest in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. That means he does not have the Archbishop's authority to operate as a priest. That means locks on doors don't matter. If he operates as a priest he will be in schism from the Catholic Church. His followers need to understand that reality. Locks or not, after February 22 is the day everything changes.

   Posted By: Catherine

3. This priest has corrupted so many minds and now to deny the Virgin Birth is going too far. Send him into retirement.

   Posted By: Kevin Vujcich

4. I do not understand why Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby took so long to replace Fr Peter Kennedy at St Mary's, South Brisbane. It seems obvious Fr Peter has failed to conform to the teachings of the Catholic Church for quite some time. Those who follow him should not claim to be Catholic either.

   Posted By: Deacon Francis J. Butel

5. Let me remind you all, just in case if you every now and then you get side tracked by today’s modern world. THE ONLY REASON WHY WE SURVIVED FOR OVER 2000 YEARS IS BECAUSE WE STICK TO OUR CATHOLIC BELIEFS AND POPE, so if any of you have a problem with some issues, well question your beliefs and see where is your Catholic faith really standing. I am very disappointed with Fr Kennedy and the way he is handling this.
   
   CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH:
   
   The Obedience of Faith
   
   To obey (from the Latin ob-audire, to "hear or listen to") in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself. Abraham is the model of such obedience offered us by Sacred Scripture. the Virgin Mary is its most perfect embodiment.
   

   Posted By: sasha josip tesija

6. This unfortunate Fr. Kennedy has great need of prayers since he has evidently lost his faith; the people he has been misleading are also greatly in need of prayers. Finally, we need to pray much and give support to Archbishop Bathersby that he may have the grace and courage to continue doing his job.

   Posted By: Anne Boyce

7. Fr. Peter Kennedy should never have become a priest if he does not believe and want to spread catholicism and all its teachings. He knows the rules of the church and he understands the obedience to his archbishop. We all have rules to follow. We may not like or agree with them but we still have to follow them. He is doing a grave dis-service to his parishioners, his church, his archbishop and the Pope. I am sure his radical views can be put to good use with other radical groups. Go there...

   Posted By: Linda Papps

8. How can Fr Kennedy describe himself as a Catholic priest if he does not believe in, or preach, any of the tenets of faith of the Church, but rather goes against them? I don't think the schism is of the Archbishop's making...

   Posted By: Al

9. In the words of a book title, it may well be asked, "What do we know, what can we believe?" Theology, to my mind, shares with Russia some of the same qualities so succinctly described by Churchill: "...a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." But unlike understanding Russia, world events will generally not clarify the mysteries of theology.
   I don't think Fr Kennedy does his cause any good, at this particular time, by denying the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

   Posted By: David Wall

10. This poor Priest is so far removed from the Church's teachings, he's become a heretic! He denies basic Christian 2000 years old Doctrine. He can't even be classed as a Christian - let alone a priest! And he's leading his congregation astray with him!
    The sooner he is gone the better for all concerned. There is nothing more tragic than a soured priest trying to justify his disobedience to his vows.

    Posted By: Stanley J. Harris

11. Congratulations to the Archbishop for finally making the long overdue decision to terminate Peter Kennedy's posting at St. Mary's. I have been asking my priest friends why the Archbishop wasn't exercising his authority under the Canon Law to remove Kennedy from his post. I realize that certain processes have to be followed but if Kennedy was removed as soon as the first sign of problems emerged, the situation would have probably been contained. Anyway, better late than never. To the Archbishop, you've made the right decision!!!!!

    Posted By: Susan Fajardo

12. His Grace, Archbishop Bathersby is to be commended for his commitment to God, the Church and the Archdiocese at this very difficult time . We pray that the whole situation will be resolved without further damage to the Church which we all love.....may Jesus continue to give the Archbishop the strength he needs to guide and lead the people of God at this time. Father Louie, Diocese of Lismore, NSW

    Posted By: Father Louie Samyia

13. Maybe Peter Kennedy should be praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary for forgiveness.
    So Sad.

    Posted By: Colleen White

14. HI,Archbishop,
    Good on you.
    Do your duty,that is your beauty.
    The church has always had people like Judas ,the traitor.

    Posted By: Aby

15. How very strange. Didn't Father Kennedy proudly say that he had been offered a church down the road? Why would he feel any need to stay?

    Posted By: Kyle

16. Fr Kennedy is really starting to show his true self. For some strange reason he thinks that the Church building belongs to him and his unfortunate flock. At the most base level he is employed by the Catholic Church, particularly the Catholic Church in Brisbane. Sadly for him he's had his employment terminated, yet he talks about changing locks. He seems to lack understanding of his place, after all the locks don't belong to him in the first place.
    My sincere prayer for this badly misguided Priest is for him to pray and live out his vows. Particularly the vow of obiedence.
    

    Posted By: Julie-Ann

17. Fr Kennedy's comments indicate he obviously does not accept several key Catholic beliefs. He is entitled to his views but not entitled to express those particular views publicly or in in a Catholic church. Although an admirer of his work for justice, I am surprised he wants to exercise his office as a Catholic priest.
    It is a pity that some people continue to try to make the Vatican a scapegoat in this business. Archbishop Bathersby has made it perfectly clear he is acting on his own initiative. He has been supported by at least one other archbishop who has said attributing Archbishop Bathersby's actions to the Vatican is "nonsense". We should believe them.
    If a person is dissatisfied with a decision mde by his Parish Priest he is entitled to take the matter up with his bishop (assuming it is not frivolous matter). If it is serious enough he can appeal to the Vatican. This normally would not deal with matters of basic discipline or belief but with such matters of canon law (a priest's entitlements etc) where there can be a divergence of opinion or mistakes made.
    A bishop owes his authority to his ordination. He is entitled to exercise authority. If he lapses into authoritarianism (or fails to acknowledge ill health and incapacity) an appeal to Rome may be necessary.
    Priests are able, and do on what I suppose would think be rare and serious occasions, appeal to Rome after full consultation with a bishop.
    History records some very serious conflicts between religious orders that had to be decided by Rome (and mistakes can be made in those situations also).

    Posted By: BALANCED

18. Hi Ronk, you know what you are talking about generally. I value your comments. Perhaps your concern about headlines is unnecessary. Certainly they should be accurate but they must be professional and catch the eye. They appear to work on this site.

    Posted By: BALANCED

19. "Can you possibly think any individual can believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary," he said.
    
    Will the real schismatics please step forward? The SSPX has never denied a single dogma of the Catholic Faith.

    Posted By: Invictus Maneo

20. This is a sad situation with two good men, John and Peter, disagreeing. Remember Paul and Peter long ago, they disagreed but finally they found a solution without splitting.
    
    We do not want a repeat of the Redfern situation in Brisbane. Since the Pope has lifted the excommunication on the Pius X Society then surely, it would be better to avoid a parallel situation here. After all, St Mary's and the Cathedral both accept the teachings of Vatican II and the percieved differences seem marginal and more to do with governance than faith and morals.

    Posted By: Patrick & Lois O'Shea

21. They hated our Saviour for speaking the truth too. So it's not surprising that they hate his successors on earth for the same reason.
    
    And the lies keep on coming:
    "it's one thing to say I'm not part of the Catholic Church, one thing to sack me, but then to say to all these wonderful people that they too are no longer part of the Catholic Church ..."
    Fr Kennedy has been removed as administrator. He has not even been excommunicated AFAIK, much less removed from the Catholic Church (as if that were possible). And no action at all has been taken against any other person.

    Posted By: Ronk

22. A history of the heresies of the Catholic church is in a book called 'Enthusiasms'. Reconciliation in any 'dysfunctional family' calls for humility and compromise and bending the neck of being right. Peter Kennedy is being ill advised. His congregation should repent and seek wholeness. He is marring a splendid ministry for and by many committed people. Just say 'sorry' folks.

    Posted By: Molly Moran

23. at last , a bishop with guts

    Posted By: robert carrucan

24. What self-righteous hypocrisy. After assaulting someone for supposedly defiling the church by bringing in a phone-camera into the pews, this man uses the sanctuary of the same church as a stage for a massive self-promotional press conference on nationwide TV.
    
    Almost outdone in hypocrisy by the ABC news report which quoted only Kennedy and half a dozen of his offsiders with no attempt to provide any alternative view. And reported that the reason for his removal is that the parish "uses some different prayers" and "includes homosexuals and aborigines". As if there are some Catholic parishes in Australia which do NOT do this!!
    And this after Kennedy on ABC radio last week flatly denied there is a Heaven or a Hell, or even a God in the sense that Christians understand the concept of Him.
    
    Thanks be to God that this man at long, long last will no longer be in a position of any authority. I don't even want to think about what he might have said and done to dying people who had called for a priest.
    

    Posted By: Ronk

25. Well if Fr Kennedy thinks Jesus was not conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit then he must believe that Jesus is not God. He'll probably state next that Jesus was not a man so that it doesn't offend the feminists! One must be inclusive you know!
    Fr Kennedy has lost the plot. St Mary's Church is not his property so once 21 Feb comes he will be trespassing and could be rightly removed by the police. Let us hope it does not come to that.

    Posted By: Markodan

26. How can a priest who doesn't believe in the virginity of Mary call himself a Catholic and expect to make use of church facilities?
    
    If a Hindu Priest said that Kali was just a woman born with too many arms, and then expected to be allowed to stay in his temple, would anyone be surprised if he was quietly and courteously asked to leave?
    
    If Wayne Swan said that Gough Whitlam had been a stooge for the liberals, would anyone be angry at the goverment for removing him from the post of treasurer? Would anyone support him if he chained himself to his desk and said that the Labor party was out of touch with modern Australians?
    
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but Father Kennedy's stance seems to defy logic. Could it be that I just think that because I'm a blinkered Catholic?

    Posted By: Paul Keen

27. Yes, people of St Mary's, let's call for the resignation of ABJB! I wonder if you'll like his replacement any better...

    Posted By: Alex Knight

28. Apart from the evidence of the Bible and all the teachings of St Paul and the Saints through the ages Fr. P Kennedy obviously has not listened to Our Lady's many appearances over the last 100 plus years with all the miracles attending them. As Jesus said there would be many false prophets but signs and wonders would follow his Church and he has certainly given us hundreds of those to ponder over in the last century. Tell him to read the books by Joan Carroll Cruz just to start with, then by Scott Hahn, and then by Professor Courtenay Bartholomew M.D.

    Posted By: Dr Peter M Couttie

29. It seems Catholicism is heading for a second reformation and Brisbane may be in the vanguard.
    Father Kennedy appears to question some basic tenets of the faith. Martin Luther did not do that initially.
    We have a situation with the Society of St. Pius X where a congregation was excommunicated for celebrating Mass in a form mandatory in my youth,
    now this is reversed, acknowledging the initial excommunication was absurd.
    This abuse of authorithy leads many of us to question beliefs held from birth, perhaps this is happening to Father Kennedy who appears to have a vibrant parish well patronised, totally different from the couple of parishes I attend from time to time in Northern Sydney.
    The Church needs to address why about 15% of nominal Catholics attend Mass "regularly". The Brisbane situation will result in more Catholics leaving the Church,and more questioning the dogmatic attitude of some clergy.
    The Church needs to openly discuss beliefs as the religion is based on decisions made at various early Councils, as much or more so than on the Bible.
    

    Posted By: John Webb

30. I can't believe I'm hearing this from a Catholic believer let alone a Catholic priest. Well I just hope that not too many of our lovely young kids will know or hear about this nonsense teaching by this priest

    Posted By: john l.

31. (P&L O'Shea) "St Mary's and the Cathedral both accept the teachings of Vatican II and the percieved differences seem marginal and more to do with governance than faith and morals."
    Have you 2 actually read or heard anything that Peter Kennedy has said? For a start in this very article he flatly denied that the Virgin Mary is a virgin. Directly contradicting the teaching of Vatican II. Last week on ABC radio he flatly denied that Heaven or Hell exist, and even that God exists in anything like the Judaeo-Christian (& Moslem, Sikh etc ) meaning of the term.
    

    Posted By: Ronk

32. I have just this quote to offer:
    
    "GOD lives in His laws. Since the clear duty of the church is to conform and obey, there can be no hope of finding GOD in disobedience."
    The Prison Meditations of Father Delp pg82

    Posted By: anne

33. Very sad situation.
    It's gone from St Mary's Parish and parishioners to Fr Peter Kennedy and Supporters.
    Such is the nature of deception.
    Fr Peter is 'drunk' on a little urban applause.
    Empathy to Archbishop Bathersby.
    The only solution now is for the Archdiocese to enter into a commercial lease with the Community of South Brisbane.
    It's the people and the good of their faith that matters, even though they have been led astray.
    The Church must maintain some contact with them in the hope that they will return, as did the schismatic Tridentine communities after a number of years.

    Posted By: Fr Mick Mac Andrew Bombala-Delegate NSW

34. I'm not a Catholic, so I guess my opinion isn't based on anything more than gut feeling (and what I saw on the news).
    
    I do find it strange on the one hand that the Pope recently welcomed back into the fold a bishop who thinks the Holacaust was faked, and with the other tries to drum out a padre for being too 'new agey'.
    
    His church, his decision, but to a non-catholic it looks over the top.

    Posted By: Frank J

35. Hi
    
    I think it should be remembered that Fr. Kennedy is a good man, a very nice human being. This does not mean he is a Christian however, nor is he in a position to carry out the role for which he was ordained. The denial of the divinity (or humanity) of Christ is tantamount to this. Further, to publicly state "Can you possibly think any individual can believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary" would be considered religious vilification from anyone outside the faith, so it is scary to think it acceptable from someone within. It is noteworthy that there is not one comment in support of this man who could hardly be described the good shepherd. This is through his own reckless comments which I would hope would hardly have been supported even by his own flock (although I may be naive in hoping this).

    Posted By: Neil

36. Being located thousands of kilometres from Brisbane I've forgotten what triggered all this off. A number of things over a number of years, I suppose, coming to a point where the Archbishop had to take action - perhaps too late.
    
    It's certainly not over Fr Kennedy's personal thoughts on the virgin birth. Many Catholics may be skeptical on that, as they may be on the infancy narratives in general, but they resolve their personal doubts by submission to the authority of the Church to teach the doctrines it has inherited from very early times. Although one wonders at times, being a Catholic is to believe that the Holy Spirit guides the Church, not individual reformers and prophets, and that the Spirit will ensure that doctrinal development and other change takes place when and if required.
    
    It seems that, now Fr Kennedy sees himself as having stepped fully over the line he can start to get things off his chest in the public domain. If so, I expect we'll hear a lot more from him as he works to maintain his influence outside the Church.
    
    We should have nothing against Fr Kennedy and his flock. He and they are disobedient, but there are worse sins, regardless of the Lucifer story (which came from Persia anyway). If he and they no longer accept the authority of the institutional Church, then they should seek admission to another Church or set up on their own. They can go with my blessing, for what it's worth. But they shouldn't hang on to the building and assets of the parish. They don't belong to them.

    Posted By: Poppenhauer

37. Yes.It is almost impossible for "MODERN MAN" to believe in the ANNUNCIATION.WHY? Because "MODERN MAN" has lost his sense of the Soul.He has a head as "big as a pumpkin" crowded with seeds and flesh.Fr Kennedy is no Catholic and needs to come out of his delusions.So too his supporters!

    Posted By: M.M.

38. Thank you Fr Kennedy for having the guts to live a life like Jesus. I congratulate your leadership.
    
    I feel quite sorry for people who seem to be vindictive against yourself, purely because you are being true to yourself, and leading a life similar to Jesus. Can't they see that it is people like these who put Jesus to death? They seem to have so much hate in their lives. It amazes me to think they haven’t got the guts to put their real name to their very own comments in Cath News.
    
    Maybe Cath News should change its policy in accepting comments from people who choose to remain anonymous.
    
    God bless you and your community, and I wish you well with your peaceful rebellion. In all my thoughts and prayers.
    

    Posted By: Bernadette McPhee

39. Good on you, Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby for taking action at long last.
    
    Fr. Kennedy might call himself a priest but he is way out of line with his basic Catholic belief, he can’t pick and choose what he wants to believe. As he clearly publicly declares what he believes, he is not representing the Catholic Church or its belief.
    
    In the Divine Mercy booklet; The devil will get people to his side just by saying; ‘there is no such thing as sin’ (a sin is no longer a sin) and ‘there is no such thing as hell’ (in Fatima Our Lady showed the children the hell). Fr. Kennedy needs prayers.
    

    Posted By: Betty

40. John Webb, the SSPX BISHOPS (not their congregations) were excommunicated for taking part in an illicit episcopal consecration defying the Pope's lawful authority. NOT for celebrating Mass in a particular form. Thousands of loyal Catholic priests have celebrated the Tridentine Mass for the past 40 years without any suggestion that they would be excommunicated for doing so. Your assertion, not the excommunication, is absurd.
    
    Which parishes in northern Sydney did you attend? I have attended at least a dozen different parishes in northern Sydney over the past few years and found them all to be vibrant and well attended.
    
    The religion is not based on the decisions made at Councils, it is based on Christ and the Apostles. Certainly the infallible universal enunciations of this Apostolic faith made at Church Councils are not "up for discussion" in the sense that anyone is free to publicly doubt them.
    
    I think you'll find that the decision to remove this man, who by his own admission is not even a Christian if that word has any meaning at all, will, if it represents the beginning of a sustained commitment to uphold the Catholic faith, result in many more people coming to church. But regardless, our Saviour didn't tell us "Go out there and give the punters what they want, whatever you can say or do that attracts the biggest crowds to "patronise" Mass." No, He said, go out and boldly speak the truth I gave you, regardless of whether it makes you popular.
    
    Frank J, unfortunately you can't rely on the secular mass media for factual information about Catholic matters. Partly due to deliberate anti-Catholic malice but mainly ignorance, laziness, and a desire for the sensational. The excommunication and de-excommunication of the SSPX bishops had nothing to do with Williamson's Holocaust theories, which the Pope was not aware of. And Kennedy's removal as administrator had nothing to do with him being "new agey" in the sense of "modern" - there are thousands of orthodox priests with modern ideas, fashions etc. But yes he is "new agey" in the sense of the New Age neo-pagan religion which some people have set up, which asserts that everything about Christianity is false. Far from "over the top", Kennedy's removal alas is a case of far too little discipline applied far too late.

    Posted By: Ronk

41. Could this be a case of modern day Chief Priests Elders & Scribes persecuting (crucifying) a modern day prophet Jesus because he's a threat to their power base?

    Posted By: Bill

42. I view the long delay in removing Fr Kennedy to be the biggest mistake. Also let us not congratulate the Archbishop too profusely because he is also very sympathetic to the many kinds of changes that more traditional Catholics are opposed to.
    

    Posted By: Michael Webb

43. Bill, NO. However, I'm sure that that's what Fr Kennedy and those who follow him would believe.
    
    Readers, which church do you belong to, the church of the prodigal son or the church of the obedient one? The irony is that regardless, they were brothers under the care and love of one father and there should be no need to choose, but the way things have gone it seems that most feel that they are being made to choose.
    
    United we stand, divided we fall. Look out everyone!
    
    And if you think we are not divided; when it's got to the point that some of the so called orthodox even consider the Carmelite nuns to have lost the plot, well, where does that leave most of us? At the gates of hell I suspect most of the same would believe.
    
    Sorry, Oh great, one, holy, Catholic and apostolic church, what with all the latest news items in the last few weeks, you've lost me, in more ways than one. Soon the faithful remnant will be small enough to huddle in their totally out of touch and certainty, seeking self-righteousness, in some little latin corner of life.
    
    I still believe and will always believe in the central teachings of Christ and Catholicism. But as a Christ inspired (as opposed to social work inspired) pastoral church, and a church that speaks to and converts the hearts of those that need it most, we are dead. I constantly ask myself as I meet the people, the very rough diamonds in my community, you know the ones Jesus seemed to be able to connect with; "is there any chance that you would be attracted to becoming a Catholic" and the answer is a deeply resounding "no".
    
    However, Fr Kennedy has got it so wrong if he thinks that his new brand of Catholicism and Christianity can make sense based on his beliefs. I'm sure that he wants Catholicism to become relevant by making it another philosophy like Buddhism and Taoism. I think for a very large slice of Catholics that that is what it has already become otherwise he wouldn't have the support he has but it just cannot be such. Without the union of God and humanity in the person of Jesus, there is no Christianity or Catholicism, it just doesn't make sense and does become just a human philosophy. Well, I for one am not willing to die for a human philosophy.
    
    So what now have we got left? Bring on the downfall I say and hopefully, like in the fires of Victoria, something new and vital may rise out of the ashes.
    

    Posted By: Oh Yet We Trust

44. Oh yet we trust,
    I get a sense that what's happening at South Brisbane parish is an expression of what's happening in the church in general --division.The church at the highest level should take its share of the blame for this.The "inclusivity" of Fr Kennedy and his parish is far closer to the person of Jesus than all who carry on about purity of doctrine and correct procedures.

    Posted By: Bill

45. Fr. Kennedy is one man who has a lot of potential. The fact that he manages to bring people back to church is a great thing, but he did it the wrong way. I affirm his love for people and I do believe that he is a good pastor. However, to neglect fundamental creeds of the Christian faith and to further desecrate the liturgy is just preposterous. He didn't have to sell that off so that more people will come to a "Catholic" church.
    
    The other thing on my mind is, why is it that an adherence to the Nicene Creed, Scripture and the writings of the Early Fathers (which for me carries more weight and spiritual armour than what any Pope can say) is considered fundamentalism? These are the fundamentals of our faith which will put us on good grounding, right? What's so hard to see about that?
    
    Could there be any reason why Catholics are so afraid of their Church? I suppose that our understanding of original sin must change. Why are we still tainted with guilt? Why do we still have that "guilt" factor? The fact that the "guilt" clause (which is legalistic in nature) is in original sin already causes many to lose hope in their salvation because whatever they do to please God, they will never be comforted. And plus, no one really assures us of Christ's comfort and God's promises these days. This is the reality of the Catholic Church today and still, no one is doing anything to change it.
    
    So, I now understand why Peter Kennedy is the way he is. I cannot understand his being that way, but can you blame him? I find fault in the system and with our status quo, I don't know how we can actually say that we're Christian with a straight face. I'm not budging on my Catholic Church because I know my faith too well, but I'm not happy with the system.

    Posted By: Collin Michael Nunis

46. Bill, have you read the Gospels? The Jesus portrayed there carries on quite a lot about purity of doctrine and correct procedures, and not at all about "inclusivity" [sic - the word you want is “inclusiveness”]. In fact He very vehemently and clearly EXcludes behaviours which are unacceptable to Him and declares that He will personally see to the horrific punishment of those practising and not repenting of them.
    
    Collin, have you ever actually met a Catholic whom this supposed "guilt" factor” has caused to lose hope in his salvation because whatever he does to please God, he will never be comforted? I certainly haven’t.
    
    And for every anti-Catholic who accuses Catholics of supposedly being weighed down with unbearable guilt, I can show you another anti-Catholic (or often even the same one!) who complains that Catholics are encouraged to gaily and guiltlessly sin away as much as they like knowing that they can then have it all wiped away in Confession.
    
    “no one really assures us of Christ's comfort and God's promises these days.”
    Are you joking? The biggest problem with the Church today is not the occasional lunatic fringe element like Kennedy, but that we are given TOO MUCH endless assurance of Christ’s comfort and God’s promises (only the “nice” politically correct ones). Many clergy implicitly, and quite a few even explicitly, assure us that, except for a few genocidal dictators, everybody is going to Heaven, probably with no Purgatory along the way, no matter what we do in this life.
    

    Posted By: Ronk

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