Vatican says 'no' to use of Catholic church for Anglican ordination

Bendigo, Australia, Nov 23, 2009 / 15:06 pm

The Vatican has said “no” to the use of a Catholic church in Australia for the ordination of four women and three men as Anglican Deacons.

St. Killian's Catholic Church in the Australian Diocese of Sandhurst was proposed as the ordination site after the local Anglican cathedral was closed due to safety concerns.

According to The Advertiser, the ordination was set to take place at the Catholic church before the Catholic Bishop Joseph Grech of the Diocese of Sandherst addressed the issue with Archbishop Guissppe Lazzarato, who was appointed the apostolic nuncio to Australia last year.

“After much discussion with Archbishop Guissppe Lazzarato and the Vatican, the ramifications were investigated,” said Bishop Grech.

“The Catholic Church's doctrine on the ordination of deacons and priests is well known,” continued the bishop. “There were certain issues within the doctrine that created problems. It's the best thing for both churches.”

Bishop Grech indicated that he still has a great rapport with Anglican Diocese of Bendigo's Bishop Andrew Curnow, and according to the local newspaper, the Anglican ordination is now taking place at St. Andrew's Uniting Church this Sunday.