Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Massachusetts Priest Whose Sermons Called on Pope to Resign Is Rebuked by His Bishop

Less than 24 hours after calling for Pope Benedict XVI to step down, a priest of an East Longmeadow, Massachusetts church has been rebuked by his local bishop, according to the Ethics Daily website.

The Rev. James Scahill delivered four sermons over the April 10-11 weekend suggesting that the pope should take greater responsibility for solving the Catholic Church's clergy abuse problems or resign.

The sermons -- delivered from the pulpit at St. Michael's Catholic Church -- made Scahill one of the first priests in the nation to call for the pope's resignation.

In a response issued on April 12, 2010, Bishop Timothy McDonnell of Springfield criticized Scahill for raising the issue -- especially on a Sunday meant to foster reconciliation and forgiveness in the church.

"There is a sad irony in that Father Scahill's remarks were delivered on Divine Mercy Sunday," said McDonnell, adding the church has expressed "tremendous sorrow, sadness, and shame" about clergy abuse cases.

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