St Mary’s and St Michael’s

The Moderator will announce the outcome next month. There will almost certainly be no public rebuke or other action against St Michael’s.

The response of the Archbishop has been direct, confrontational and under the open gaze of a bemused media.

He accused St Mary’s of having “established its own brand of religion” and therefore being “out of communion with” the Catholic Church.

He then sacked Father Kennedy, effective from February 21, and appointed a replacement.

Not surprisingly St Mary’s defied the decision and Father Kennedy continues to preside over mass.

St Mary’s and the Archbishop have now agreed to mediation chaired by former judge Ian Callinan, to begin in mid March when terms are decided.

Why such contrasting responses?

Pressure from the Vatican may be one factor. The Archbishop told ABC Radio that pressure has come from the Congregation of the Bishops, the Congregation of the Clergy and the Congregation for Divine Worship.

Jason Kioa is under no such pressure. He has, however, discussed his situation with the heads of the other Christian churches in Victoria.

Which response will be more effective? This depends on what outcomes are considered desirable.

In the next few weeks we shall see.