To the clergy and faithful of the diocese
Christ is risen! He is truly risen!
Further to the events of Wednesday, 27 March 2024 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and thereafter on various media platforms, Fr Gerard Paul has been suspended from all priestly ministry, effective immediately and indefinitely.
While the views of Fr Paul on the situation in Gaza are shared by many, his persistent attacks on the Catholic Church and her leadership, as well as his misleading claims that the Church has done nothing in this and other situations are erroneous and divisive. They have confused, harmed, and scandalised many faith-filled persons. They have brought his fellow clergy into disrepute.
After consultation with the senior clergy and some lay leaders, I have suspended Fr Paul from priestly ministry indefinitely, effective 4 April 2024. All faculties for ministry granted to him upon ordination as a priest of this diocese are withdrawn. He will no longer be parish priest of the Parish of the Holy Family, River Sallee. He will not be able to preside at the sacred rites of the Church, i.e. masses, funerals, weddings, baptisms etc.
This suspension is not because of what Fr Paul said on Wednesday, 27. This decision has been made because of the persistent pattern of behaviour mentioned above and which he now seeks to justify with no intention to change. I have asked him to seek the help that he needs in a manner that will enable me to consider returning him to ministry in ways that may be recommended.
The Church has rules, clear expectations, and protections for the People of God, enshrined in the Code of Canon Law and the ordinary teaching of Popes and bishops. When Fr Paul said, “I have no regrets and I will do it again,” he put himself beyond review and fraternal correction. No institution can survive when such attitudes and actions are adopted. Our young people are led astray when they are shown by persons with official authority that such authority can be easily dishonoured with impunity.
This is a sad, but challenging time for our diocese. This is not a conflict between a bishop and a priest. It is the culmination of a long-standing pattern of harm to individuals and to the diocese which must stop. Coming as it has, during the Sacred Triduum and the Easter Octave, we dare to trust the Risen Lord to bring as beyond the stenches and stones of the tomb, of these moments. Every Easter we see love conquering hate, life conquering death, and hope outlasting despair. May we never forget these graces as we prayerfully journey together in the days and months ahead. For as people of faith, it is a call to deeper prayer and discernment as we ask the Lord to guide us to what He wants to teach us, to convert our hearts and minds, enabling as to become all that God wants us to be. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluial.
Bishop Clyde Harvey
Words of Bishop Harvey;
“For as people of faith, it is a call to deeper prayer and discernment as we ask the Lord to guide us to what He wants to teach us, to convert our hearts and minds, enabling as to become all that God wants us to be. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluial.”
So how does he know whether or not God is guiding Father Paul?
let the catholic church destroy it self. I wish the bishop and his priests were this passionate about protecting children from organized/institutionalized pedophilia that plagues the church they love so much.