BREACH OF ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1946, 1 March 1919, Page 3

BREACH OF ECCLESIASTICAL AUTHORITY.

PRIEST AND LICENSING POLL

Christchurch, Eeb. It),

Action has been taken by Bishop Brodie in refusing to readmit Rather Cronin, formerly of Darfield and Ross, into the Roman Catholic diocese of Christchurch as a direct result of the attitude of Rather Cronin in visiting Christchurch without permission, and taking an active part on behalf of prohibition in the present campaign. In addition, Bishop Brodie has stated that Father Cronin’s action has not the approval of the ecclesiastical authority.

The decision of the Bishop is contained in a circular letter which has been sent out to all the clergy in charge of the various churches in the diocese, and which is to he read before (lie various congregations on Sunday.

In the course of his letter Bishop Brodie says: I can only regard Rather Cronin’s conduct with pity and sadness, and must regretfully ask you, for grave reasons, not to allow him to celebrate M.ass in any church or chapel of your district, or to allow him to have the hospitably of your Presbytery. 11 is the duty of priests to refrain from any words or action which could he construed into approval of Rather Cronin’s strange conduct, which would convey the impression that his action has the approval of the ecclesiastical authorities.

PRIEST CLAIMS CIVIL RIGHTS.

Christchurch, Feb. 2S. In connection with the repudiation of the Rev. Father Cronin by Bishop Brodic, the former says that the Bishop's procedure seems to him an abuse of power. “The important difference,” miid Father Cronin, “(hat I draw is that His Lordship is as much opposed to the Prohibition movement as J am to the drink traffic. My solo offence is that J have thought fit to espouse publicly what I am convinced is a good and righteous cause. On becoming a. Calladic priest 1 did not sacrifice my civil richls. In working for (he temperance movement I am convinced that 1 am doing (ho best possible work in which 1 could be engaged under Hie present circumstances, and in doing Ibis work I am neglecting no ecclesiastical duly, and surely Bishop'Brodie, who disclaims authority over me, would not question that fact?”*