St Mary's

Opinion – A liberating experience

(Cathnews Report with Readers Comments)

We too feel liberated from the shackles of a failing institution caught up in dogmas and creeds that belong to another age. We felt it was time to take a stand from the constant bullying we have experienced for many years.

We have been bullied for standing up for the rights of women and giving them a voice. For challenging and changing the sexist language and images of God in the liturgies and celebrations we have as a community. For ensuring women are given equal roles in the decision making processes of the community.

For these and many other reasons we have been liberated from the constant bullying and shackles of a failing institution unable to change.

As a people we feel optimistic about our future. We have had enormous support nationally and internationally. We have tapped into a nerve, a frustration, a boiling over anger at an institution that continues to deny the rights of so many. – Fr Terry Fitzpatrick, Green Left

Kennedy sees himself in Mary MacKillop

Kate Dennehy

July 12, 2009
Rebel priest Peter Kennedy sees parallels in the way the Catholic Church has treated him and its excommunication of the Blessed (Mother) Mary MacKillop.

Brisbane Archdiocese’s Archbishop John Bathersby sacked Father Kennedy in February for refusing to stop outlawed practices at St Mary’s Church at South Brisbane, including allowing women to preach and using unorthodox wording at baptisms.