Rebel priest defies sacking

A REBEL Catholic priest in Australia sacked for blessing gay couples and allowing women to preach has vowed to defy his archbishop and lead mass tomorrow.

Fr Peter Kennedy of St Mary’s parish in the Australian city of Brisbane said he expected a “packed church” to show support against his dismissal this week by Archbishop John Bathersby.

“I think he’s sacked me unjustly and the community agrees so I’m standing strong and I don’t think he can do anything about that,” said Kennedy. “I don’t know what will happen but we will just continue with our liturgy as we normally have it,” he said from the inner-city church where he has preached for 28 years.