THE first mediation talks between the Brisbane archdiocese and representatives of St Mary’s parish South Brisbane were expected to get underway late last week.
Brisbane archdiocesan chancellor and canon lawyer Fr Adrian Farrelly told The Catholic Leader earlier last week that the parish’s new administrator Fr Ken Howell would attend the mediation talks being facilitated by Ian Callinan QC.
“Justice Callinan will be working in mediation between Fr Howell and members of St Mary’s parish council to decide how the changeover occurs,” Fr Farrelly said.
The latest development marks a hopeful stage in the impasse, which started when Archbishop John Bathersby issued a decree removing Fr Peter Kennedy as administrator of St Mary’s parish.
The decision followed Fr Kennedy’s refusal to change practices and teachings at odds with those of the Catholic Church.
Fr Howell was to take over the role of administrator of St Mary’s parish on February 20 but Fr Kennedy refused to hand over the keys to the church.
Fr Farrelly said it was pleasing to see a willingness to participate in a mediation process.
“We are hopeful of a peaceful transition from the previous administrator to the new one which has always been the archbishop’s wish,” he said.
Mediation talks with Fr Kennedy present had been planned to start on Wednesday March 18.
However, on March 16, Fr Kennedy’s lawyers confirmed he had withdrawn from the mediation process.
