Bishop claims priest protests misinformed

Broken Bay Catholic Bishop Rev David Walker has denied his reasons for the removal of Fr Anthony McCarthy from Woy Woy parish included Fr Hill wanting it.

However, he has admitted that extending the appointment was considered and that Fr Hill's comments had been taken into account.

The bishop has written to Woy Woy parishioners about the decision to remove Fr McCarthy after only nine months.

Bishop Walker said he was not at liberty to discuss the outcome of the review, but he was concerned at the level of misinformation present in the parish.

"The issues raised are of a complex nature and are contrary to the rumoured reasons currently circulating, such as 'Fr Hill wanted Fr McCarthy out' of Woy Woy Parish," Bishop Walker stated in his letter.

However, speculation has increased with Fr Hill appearing to accuse Fr McCarthy of not following accepted practice and to blame him for the "scandal".

Writing in the parish bulletin on June 20, just a week after the removal, Fr Hill stated that "the mystery of the eucharist is too great for anyone to permit himself to treat it according to his own whims".

"Anyone who acts thus, even if he is a priest, injures the substantial unity of the Roman Rite."

Such actions were not consistent with "the hunger and thirst for the living God".

"Nor do such actions serve authentic pastoral care or proper liturgical renewal.

"The result is uncertainty in matters of doctrine and perplexity and scandal on the part of the people of God."

Bishop Walker wrote: "Fr Anthony was appointed as assistant priest for an initial period of six months, commencing on 1 September 2003.

"His appointment was undertaken with the knowledge that a review of the position would take place at the end of this period.

"With Fr Anthony's agreement, the review was conducted and recommendations made.

"During my deliberation on the matter, I took these recommendations into account, together with Fr Hill's comments and the pastoral care of the People of God as served by the Vicars General and Deans," he wrote.

Bishop Walker said he was glad Fr Anthony's ministry had comforted parishioners and that he was able to pastorally care for their needs.

"I spent many hours deliberating over whether to extend Fr Anthony's appointment as assistant priest.

"I have again reflected on the matter in light of your comments," he wrote.

"The decision I arrived at, after much prayer for guidance, was not an easy one, but I feel it was the right decision.

"I understand and accept that my decision has had an emotional impact on many parishioners.

"This has been most evident in the petitions, correspondence and telephone calls I have received.

"I ask that your feelings be directed towards myself and not Fr John Hill, as I am solely responsible for the decision not to renew the position of assistant priest."

Alison Branley, June 23