Bishop Seeking Reform of Cath. Church Resigns; Austl. Bishop Power Called for Women Priests

The Catholic Culture website reports that the Holy See Press Office announced today (June 7, 2012) that Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Power of Canberra and Goulburn in Australia has resigned from his position, which he held since 1986.

The resignation of Bishop Power comes five years before the normal retirement age of 75 and one year after he threatened to resign over his dissatisfaction with the state of the Roman Catholic Church.

In 2010, Bishop Power called for "total systematic reform" of the Church, including a reconsideration of "the authoritarian nature of the Church, compulsory celibacy for the clergy, the participation of women in the Church, and the teaching on sexuality in all aspects."

He has also called for an open discussion of women's ordination.