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Bob Graf
Jesuit priest Bill Brennan, 92, was stripped of his priestly duties after he presided over a Eucharistic liturgy with a woman priest last month in Georgia.
A Milwaukee-area Catholic priest was stripped of his priestly duties after he presided over a Mass with a woman priest last month in Georgia.
On Nov. 17, the Rev. Bill Brennan, a 92-year-old Jesuit, performed a liturgy in Columbus, Ga., at which Janice Sevre-Duszynska, an ordained member of Roman Catholic Womenpriests, an advocacy group that is not sanctioned by the Vatican, was a participant.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and his religious order, the Society of Jesus, ordered Brennan not to perform any priestly duties in public or present himself as a priest publicly.
"I was really angry when I found out ... that his faculties were suspended, too, because for God's sake, he's 92 years old," the Rev. Jerry Zawada, a Franciscan and a friend of Brennan's who has also led liturgies with Sevre-Duszynska and was suspended for it, told NBC News. "But he's so faithful to what needs to happen."
"He's willing to take risks at that level," Zawada, a 75-year-old Franciscan, added.
The Catholic Church prohibits women's ordination, saying it has no authority to ordain women because Jesus chose only men as his apostles. The church's Canon Law 1024 says only baptized men may receive holy orders.
Pope urges 'obedience'
Pope John Paul II issued a letter in 1994 saying that the church "has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women," and in 2010 the church included the "attempted ordination of women" among the list of grave crimes against its law, under the same category as the sexual abuse of minors. Grave crimes are punishable by defrocking or excommunication.
Earlier this year, Pope Benedict XVI denounced the priests supporting women's ordination, saying their desire to change the church was a "desperate push" driven by their "own preferences and ideas." Instead, the pope urged for the "radicalism of obedience."
About 59 percent of American Catholics are in favor of women's ordination, according to a 2010 poll by The New York Times and CBS, but the Vatican sees the initiative as having the potential to cause a rift in the church.
Brennan is only the most recent priest to be penalized for his support of women's ordination.
Courtesy of Janice Sevre-Duszynska
Jesuit priest Bill Brennan and Janice Sevre-Duszynska, an ordained member of Roman Catholic Womenpriests, co-preside over a liturgy in Georgia on Nov. 17, 2012.
Last month, the Rev. Ray Bourgeois, an American of the Maryknoll religious order, was dismissed by the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, for his support of women's ordination.
Last week, the Vatican also stripped an Austrian priest of his right to use the title monsignor for advocating in favor of women priests and married priests.
'Good stubborn'
Sevre-Duszynska told NBC News she wasn't surprised by the actions taken to penalize Brennan, whom she describes as being "good stubborn" and "full of such fire."
"It was a hope in the back of my heart that these men would walk in solidarity with Bill, stand up for justice and … make it a new world, make it a new day in our church, as Bill has done," she said. "It’s time for the rest of the male priests to find the courage to listen to the workings of the Holy Spirit in their heart and conscience."
Bob Graf
The Rev. Bill Brennan attends a protest in Milwaukee in 2008.
Sevre-Duszynska first met Brennan two years ago at a civil disobedience action organized by SOA Watch, an organization that seeks to close a U.S. Army training school at Fort Benning, Ga.
The school used to be known as the School of the Americas, and SOA Watch claims it was involved in human rights abuses in Latin America. For many years, Brennan worked as a missionary in the Central American country of Belize when it was a British colony known as British Honduras.
Brennan, who uses a wheelchair when his legs become tired, and Sevre-Duszynska were among the 29 people arrested at the protest.
"He's very fragile, but he's very strong in his heart," Sevre-Duszynska said of Brennan. "He's living in the heart of God, and he has lots of strength inside."
Not showing off 'for the ladies'
Brennan's "lifetime of service to the poor" and his work with immigrants and those marginalized by society will continue to be honored by the Jesuits, Jeremy Langford, a spokesman for the Jesuits' Chicago-Detroit province, told NBC News.
While Brennan's diocesan faculties have been withdrawn, he remains a Jesuit, Langford said, adding that the Society of Jesus has no intention of taking further actions against Brennan.
The Jesuits are mostly known for their missionary work and support of human rights, social justice and education. The Society of Jesus operates many colleges and universities around the world.
Brennan, who lives with other retired Jesuits in the Milwaukee area, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he understood the risks when he decided to perform a liturgy alongside a woman priest.
"Sometimes in our lives we have to trust our conscience and bring about the consequences," he told the newspaper. "I wasn't trying to show off for the ladies."
According to Sevre-Duszynska, Brennan compared his support of women's ordination to his support for women's suffrage, remembering that when he was born in 1920, his mother was still not allowed to vote.
Bob Graf, who was a Jesuit and has known Brennan for almost 20 years, spoke to Brennan this week and said he was taking the decision in stride.
"He’s very calm, he’s very peaceful, which is surprising, but he is," Graf told NBC News. "He’s a wise old man," he said, adding that Brennan will continue his life's work. "He just can't wear his robe and collar."
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Although God has given woman the role of teaching other women (Titus 2:3-5), He has not given woman the role of teaching men publicly in the worship assembly:
Is this demeaning to women? We should hope not! Although the changing world may hold that women should be able to take any role they please, the unchanging Word of God does not agree.
Why should we be so interested in Titus's opinion or Timothy's? This sounds like a bunch of nonsense from two guys who were really prejudiced. There is nothing of the Creator or "God" here, just a pair of nuts. Yes, their opinions, on their face, are demeaning to women. Just read what you quoted. The entirely stupid idea that the Creator was responsible for writing the works that were collected in around 320 C.E. in what is now known as "the bible" is what is driving this idiocy. The writers of these works, and of all of the other works of the time musing on spiritual topics that were not included by the editors, were merely humans just like us. "I don't permit" sounds like a guy with a problem.
When God created man SHE was only joking!!! serioulsy she was.
I certainly HOPE She was joking! I mean, what's with the design flaws? Hair on the face, but not on the head? Willy, the one-eyed snake? The big ego? And the big logistics problem that comedian Robin Williams once described as "I have a brain and a penis, but only enough blood to operate one of them at a time"?
Born and raised a Catholic, I woke up one day and realized the brainwashing that was going on in church, mostly the ridiculous guilt that the church was trying to get me to feel. They are nothing more than a pack of self riotous predators that prey on those whom they influence from an early age on. This is why it is such a sin to not go to church every Sunday; they need to hold onto you and suppress your free will. Oh and don't forget to give your 30% contribution so that their work can continue. Some of these Cardinals and bishops live a luxurious life.
I'm not saying that all Catholics are corrupt, there are a few that truly are good people. But as I grew older I have come to believe that the apocalypse and the anti Christ shall begin with the catholic church at the center stage. Look at what this holy church did during the inquisition. They tortured and murdered thousands of people if not more...and of course lets not forget how they have tried to sweep the hundreds of pedophile priests under the carpet, and paid billions to keep the victims quiet.
In closing, it is an abomination to demand a priest remain celibate in order to serve God. I believe they should have spouses and families, to serve as an example of how God intended us to be. If you look at the old testament, Abraham had a wife and children too. So did Moses, and every other biblical figure. The Catholic church is stuck in the dark ages...and if you continue to follow them you'll be in the dark for all eternity.
So, you can screw around with boys and the church will just set around on it's thumbs. But, get caught anywhere near a Mass that involves a practicing female priest and your a$$ is in deep doodoo.
Just mind-boggling, isn't it?
The Catholic church is run by male authoritarians who believe women as less than they. It's just like the middle east. They need a woman pope and cardinals/bishops, etc. Then things that dreadful religion will run as it should be....fair.
This is insane. No wonder the Catholic Church is dying.
What is at issue here is that the "Holy Church" decided that all the service to others, in god's teachings, good work that this priest has done throughout his life is washed and stripped away, all because of a concelebration of a mass with a woman. Yet on Sunday, the Pope will claim that we are all "God's children", brothers and SISTERS in Christ and treat others as we would want to be treated. HA! When the church asks for priests as they do every year, because not many people are devoting their life to priesthood, where is "their" compassion to the service of God probably stuck in some book that they never open. So, come Holy Spirit, enlighten and teach the Holy See . . . . to open their eyes!
How bizaare can the leadership of the Catholic Church get? They will quickly punish a priest who celebrates mass with a woman but cover-up and hide the fact that a priest molests a child and protect that priest from prosecution by the law. Totally disgusting!
I am sooooo glad I was not born into the Catholic religion! Can't figure out why anyone still maintains membership in that ridiculous organization. I am all for respecting others' faiths, but I cannot respect a decision to stay with such a corrupt bunch! I mean, it isn't like there aren't other Christian organizations one can switch to.....
Seriously, to any Catholics out there, why do you still go to mass and why do you hand your hard-earned cash over to such people?
Hi Homesick Yank,
You ask why anyone would remain Catholic taking into consideration the discrimination against women, church corruption, etc. I think I can answer that as a feminist and Catholic. While I might only attend mass a total of four to five times a year I still consider myself Catholic because, after years of avoiding church altogether and then attending both Christian and non Christian services, I realized that the Catholic Church is my spiritual home. Just for the record, I don’t believe the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church (infallibility of the pope, communion wafers becoming the body of Christ, etc.). I guess technically that makes me not very Catholic. What Catholicism does offer me is the chance to duck into a sacred space for an hour and focus on restoring my spiritual self. The beauty of the church itself along with the incense and icons o add to the feeling of otherworldliness. I only wish that the mass was still read in Latin so that I didn’t have to listen to the priest yammer on and on during the homily. And intelligent homily is a rare thing. I can’t really blame them since they have to come up with new material week after week. It would be like having to write a ten page paper every Sunday and then stand up in front of the class and read it. After a while, I imagine that the papers would become less and less creative.
It is unfortunate that the Catholic hierarchy will not revise their stance on allowing women to be priests and allowing priests to marry. Injustice, ignorance and prejudice have to be fought at every turn and unfortunately, the Roman Catholic Church is one of the giants which needs to be remade. I am hoping that my generation and subsequent generations of intelligent, idealistic Catholics will work to change the sexist policies of this institution.
Immediate action against a priest holding mass with a female.
Immediate coverup of pedofiles crimes.
You atheist liberal haters always have your shallow excuses to fall back on. You are not worth explaining anything to but I will try. The people involved in pedophile crimes make up less than 1% of the priests who proudly serve. It is sorry on your part to cause harm to all the good folks who serve God faithfully through the Catholic Church. Now don't you feel like an ass? If not you should.
Larry, cool down. Ant1369 only pointed out that the church took immediate action against a priest who held mass with a fellow female priest. He then pointed out that the church covered up the pedofile problem for years.
In no way did he claim that most priests are pedofiles. What he pointed out is fact.
"Seriously, to any Catholics out there, why do you still go to mass and why do you hand your hard-earned cash over to such people?"
I try to go to mass as often as possible and am a devout Catholic because my Catholic Religion has been a big part of my life since the day I was baptised. Being a Catholic is very important to me and I was educated by Jesuits in both High School and College. Maybe this something you are not able to understand but it is my life and my religion and I believe what the Catholic Church has taught me for a lot of years and strengthed my beliefs and values when I served in the USMC for a lot of years in some tough places
I was a Marine, 1962-1966, and was raised Catholic too. We just disagree about the church.
For all you over opinionated jerks who find fault with the Catholic religion then go somewhere else or start your own religion If the Catholic Church does not want female priests then that is their choice. No one forces anyone to be a member or follower. True believers and followers know other religions have changed their doctrines and beliefs to accommodate themselves (make it easier to worship God) which is hollow religion. The Catholics leave your sorry selves alone so how about leaving them alone and let them practice their religion as they want to.
Jesus was long dead by the time the bible was written, so there was plenty of time for what he said to be misconstrued. Also, the bible has been altered numerous times throughout history. I have to ask, why do you unfailingly believe that everything in it is true and accurate?
By the way, calling people "over opinionated jerks" does not sound very Christian to me...
I am thinking that the 'pope' in all his glory, splendor and self importance has forgotten that Christ was born of MARY not Marvin. The Catholic church has long abandoned Christianity and it's true meaning. Women definately have a place in the church as an organization and in it's history.
The Catholic Church knows this and acknowledges this daily. Their priests are descendants from the twelve male apostles. Women are important to the Catholic Church they just do not allow them to be priests. This is their doctrine and they have every right to it. Your argument is weak at best.
You are aware I am sure that Mary was considered by Christ to be an apostle as are we all! The 12 were meant to be living examples of what we should all be loving and obedient to God, not man and certainly not a religion that encourages people to pray to the saints and not God. How many ask St Thomas to find things for them or pray to the virgin Mary? St Christopher when they feel lost. The catholic church has lost it's connection to the people. It exhaults a MAN over the people. A man who must run for the office in much the same way that our politicians run for office. They take advantage of the poor. They dress their churches in gold and statuary, while the poor go hungry. They are required to kiss the ring of a man. I have something else for the pope to kiss, trust me it is not my ring.
I was born in 1944 and was raised Catholic. I went through religious instruction up through junior high school. When in high school I just stopped attending Neuman Club which was religious instruction for teens.
There were many things that bothered me about the Catholic Church. The male only priesthood was one of them. I also did not accept as fact that only Catholics could reach Heaven. It bothered me that the church had "dogma" that had to be accepted, even if you did not believe it. The threat of not accepting the Church's teachings was excommunication.
So here was a church that claimed it was the sole path to salvation and at the same time said, believe what we tell you or we will kick you out and if you are kicked out, you will go to Hell.
That just did not come across as a very compassionate way to run a church.
So when I left home and joined the Marines in 1962, I also left the church. For a time I visited other denominations in an effort to find a church that I felt I belonged. In time, I came to realize that these other denominations, in their own way, were similar to the Catholic church. Freedom of thought was not accepted.
The Baptist surprised me the most. They claim that each individual should come to a personal understanding of God by reading the Scriptures and each person's individual insight is the true word for that person. But, in reality, they were more doctrinaire than the Catholics. Thought control was the in thing.
By the time I was 25 I had put organized religion behind me and I have not missed it since. I have come to believe that a force for good has become part of the problem and not part of the solution. I understand that the genders are different but I view them as equal. I believe in live and let live. I believe that humans ought to help each other and not try to make others mizerable. There are enough difficulties in life without others trying to boil the pot with the rest of us sitting in it.
If you do not have the spiritual faith of Catholics then do not belong to their religion is the correct step for yourself. You made your decision and people should accept your decision. Now you should leave the Catholics alone to celebrate their religion as they choose much like you did.
Larry, the Catholic, as most churches do, is involved in our political processes. They try to influence our laws. Any institution that involves itself in my government is fair territory for me to express my views about it.
Actually.....I am a convinced non believer....total skeptic of anything past mortal matter....BUT...I love a good argument and ignorance repels me....And I "see" too much hatred here instead of argument....
Lived both sides at a different stages in my life born a catholic, in a catholic country, educated catholic (10 yrs seminarian)....and I did not abandon religion for its mistakes....but for the truth of science.....
And yes....I do not mind to take the sword to defend my lie.....against your lie......jejejejeje
Feliz Navidad a todos-as!!!!!
Probably in the future the Catholic Church will allow women to become priests but until that becomes Church Law we have to abide by the rules as they exist now....I see most of the comments again nothing more than the usual Catholic Church bashing and badmouthing by those who are wasting a lot of space on this subject
I whole heartily agree with you. I am moving on now.
My father gave me good advice when he said" When you belong to an organization follow the rules!'' If you don't like the rules leave.
When you are raised Catholic, you are taught that leaving the "one true universal church" can mean eternal damnation for rejecting the faith. Under this threat, some people do not see walking away as an option.
The pope is a throwback to the 12th century. What do you expect?
I noticed in the photo of the woman standing at the alter with the elderly priest, that she had her hair "colored" or bleached"!! Seems that "this" woman so called priest is very modern!!
Check her out on Wikipedia. She is a woman of great conscience.
Like the old saying says" if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen get out! so, if you don't like rules, than "leave" and don't let the door hit you on the way out!!! People are always complaining about the catholic church , why not go and complain for awhile about "islam" for a change. seems to me that they have some laws of their own that need changing.
Your comment is an attempt to distract from the moral injustice that exists in the Catholic Church and must be addressed by anyone who truly espouses Gospel values. Jesus was an advocate for the marginalized and calls us to be the same.
Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the complaints are not about the Catholic church alone - whether writers realize it or not they are complaining about the hypocrisy of organized religion.
Thank you, Bill Brennan, for your courage and for being a model to all of what standing up for justice looks like. As a woman who was called to Catholic priesthood back in the 1970s, but had no option to pursue it, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
God bless Bill Brennan.
I'm pretty sure Jesus would order the both of them stoned to death, don't you think?
So the church doesn't allow women priests because "Jesus only had male disciples"? Um, there's lots of other things Jesus didn't do: ride a dinosaur, wear jeans, use a computer, drive a car. So we shouldn't be doing those things either? Oh, there's many things Jesus didn't do besides "futuristic stuff". For instance he never started, or was head of, a major religious hierarchy. Doesn't this tell 'believers' what they shouldn't be doing? In fact anyone with enough intelligence to actually read the New Testament should pick up the fact that Jesus opposed organized, rule-bound religious hierarchies. If he hadn't, he probably would have died a natural death and there would be no Christianity today.
As for the defrocked priest... more power to him and the woman priest, they should continue to do services together, just wear a different-colored Priest costume or something!! It's high time the Catholic church was told where to go.
Is there a Catholic anywhere that is not a lunatic ?
This is one of the reasons I am no longer a member of the Catholic church. Makes no sense....