Got an invitation to launch an excellent book, “The Man Who Threatened Rome”, about the South Brisbane parish including Father Peter Kennedy. The launch would be here, either in church or hall.
After reading the manuscript and finding a very balanced conversation therein, I gave a tentative “Yes”.
By next morning, it was “Yes” to place and “No” to my personal participation.
By that afternoon, it was “No“ to place , as well.
What a vacillating cowardly performance by me. I admire both South Brisbane parish and Peter Kennedy himself.
I’m very impressed with the editor, Bernadette Walters, and her skill in assembling such a galaxy of writers who love Catholicism enough to creatively criticise its performance at a particular time in a special place
Martin Flanagan writes a “portrait of a rebel priest”. Paul Collins provides the introduction.
Hans Kung broadens the perspective with “If Obama were Pope”.
Brian Doyle writes a beautifully crafted chapter called “Shatter”.
Fr. Peter Norden, Sr. Veronica Brady, Bishop Shelby Spong, Neil Ormerod (Catholic University), Shane Howard, Tom Uren and Martin Flanagan (a second time) – all present South Brisbane and Peter Kennedy as a many splendoured work in progress.
I’m very disappointed with myself in lacking the courage of my convictions. I apologise to South Brisbane, Peter and Bernadette.
I don’t want to put South Melbourne parish to the test twice in six months. I’m not even asking for a show of hands.
I’m probably suffering from post trauma stress after our own unpleasant experience associated with my 75th birthday. That, I now realize, triggered memories of a previous experience of “friendly deadly fire” back in 2002. (No need to bore you with the details here.)
I guess a post trauma stress sufferer, not a faux one like me, a real one, understands that ideas at the time of the ordeal can be as clear as crystal, while feelings can be as confused as a can of worms.
Wards of State, especially British involuntary immigrants, have suffered undiagnosed post trauma stress disorder from the time of detention.
The Prime Minister apologized to them just this past week.
South Melbourne parish has cared for wards of State for over 100 years. St. Vincent’s Boys and Girls Orphanages were located in our town.
South Melbourne took a deep interest in the welfare of Melbourne’s “street kids”, in the 1970’s and 80’s, many of whom were wards of State.
I, myself, still support (yes, with $’s) four ex-wards now aged late 40’s. All suffering varying degrees of post trauma stress disorder. We not only apologise in words. We provide $ compensation in the face of savage “friendly” fire.
South Brisbane, including Father Peter Kennedy, put unity with Jesus before uniformity with H.O. Brisbane, rightly or wrongly is not for me to even infer.
Seek out the book launch, wherever it may be. Buy the book. Be amazed at the miracle that is the Catholic Church, warts and all.
RJM
You know Father, having a sense of social justice and being silly enough to speak out(whilst others whine and gripe dishonestly behind backs)- is a very exhausting trait to live with…the consequences can be emotionally and physically extreme. Even in my present job there are clear inequities and procedures undertaken correctly. I spoke up and outwardly about an issue that was concerning other staff too. I was proved correct but my immediate supervisor has been riding me ever since over the most minor details. In a school playgound this behaviour would be termed intimidation and bullying. I’ve done nothing wrong, only spoke up about an issue where I was proved correct. That person knows I have two kids to raise on my own and there is a recession on …bullying is hard to prove. Other staff thanked me for raising the issue but like the ungrateful lepers, I have been left to take a battering with no outward support.
Everyone knows Father that you have been bullied from above. I think it is a low and cowardly act to attempt to discredit a person’s good name, popularity and achievements by way of character assassination and allegations of impropriety. Its very draining to put up with that and not be affected. Noone is going to let anything happen to you Father, not even the faceless people like me will let anyone hurt you. I called Fr Peter’s presbytery before he got evicted and told his receptionist that there are people in NSW too who admire him greatly. It would be a financial and public relations nightmare for Church hierarchy if it did anything further to stress you. I hope Fr Peter is doing OK – I have added him to my list of ‘people to meet before I die’. I have read a few Spong books too – he presents a reasonable argument. A workmate invited me to a talk by Theologian author and historiam John Dickson who rubbished Spong so I had a bit of a debate with him about that(his whole argument rested on the fact that Spong isn’t a qualified historian and quotes people who are not recognised in historical academic circles. I told him Jesus didn’t have a degree either, he only had a TAFE certificate in carpentary). I will read the book not only because you have recommended it but becasue I have admired Ft Peter from afar and have been able to UNDERSTAND and relate to the general gist of Spong’s books. Its OK to feel too tired to fight anymore, but know you will never be defeated by an inferior enemy – even an enemy from within. Sincere and warm regards always Fr Bob.
Cheery-bye for now & take care
Hi Father Bob,
I’m from Brisbane. I saw what was happening with the South Brisbane church and was really stunned by what was going on there. Instead of people turning away from Sunday Mass, people – young, old, black, white and everyone in between – were flocking to mass every week.
It really seemed that he had caught onto something. I mean, to get the kids in these days I suppose you need to do something special. I mean look at “hillsong”. They know how to get the kids going to church.
So I was really amazed that they booted him out. Yeah some of the stuff he was doing wasn’t following the dogma to the letter – but… he was getting the people through the doors!
If you don’t mind me asking Bob, but do you agree that their should be compensation for those wards of state?
I reckon if you’re going to acknowledge the injustices caused to those poor kids, then the same should be done for the Indigenous stolen generation. Those kids were taken sometimes for no other reason than the colour of their skin, regardless of the circumstances regarding their parents and family. If the government is going to start compensating these kids then I think they should spare a bit our Indigenous brothers and sisters too. God knows they’ve missed out on a lot…
Once you’ve experienced the “management style” of the churchocrats it makes you rather reluctant to enter a second battle….bless you for your gut reaction of saying yes to the book launch and bless you also for withdrawing….none of us are 100% consistent, in your shoes I probably would have done what you did…probably would have said no at the start.. however be that as it may your pastoral sensitivity is commendable…better to preserve peace among the flock at this time….I am sure that the 75th birthday episode has left deep scars for all concerned…..maybe except for the few souls who are well acquainted with the official RC management “style”…blessings on you and yours
Thanks Fr. Bob but I think I’ll give it a miss. I don’t think Peter Kennedy is important enough to warrant a book even one meekly titled, “The Man Who Threatened Rome” but at least it’s nice to know he’ll be making a few quid from the cruel injustice he has had to suffer at the hands of Rome. So I guess he won’t starve. If only catholic martyrs of old had been clever enough to employ a PR agency then they too could have profited from their consciences…… I expect to see alot more through fairfax/ABC.
God bless you, Fr. Bob, you know Jesus loves you – warts’n'all.
As a member of the St Mary’s community that was ditched by the hierarchy I know Fr Kennedy quite well. Your snide comments about ‘doing well’ as a result of the publication of the book is ridiculous. Fr K is getting no royalties. These are going to Micah (the justice wing of our community – deals with homelessness etc) and the community.
Fr K had no hand in the writing of the book and was approached by the author who felt the story worth telling.
Of course you won’t want to read it – it may rattle you sanctimonious cage a little.
Marg