Pro-gay marriage priest defrocked

The Tablet (UK) ^ | 16 April 2013 | The Tablet staff

[Mrs. Don-o]

A priest in Argentina has been defrocked after voicing support in public for gay marriage. Nicolás Alessio was suspended in 2010 when the Government's same-sex marriage legislation was being debated. The legislation was bitterly opposed by the Church in Argentina, led by the then Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio who was elected Pope last month.

A statement from Mr Alessio's local archdiocese of Córdoba said the decision to defrock him was made by the Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy in February, during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. "Thirty years of service to God's people mean nothing," Mr Alessio said in response. "I had a different opinion from the archbishop [of Córdoba, Carlos José Ñáñez] and so they have chucked me out."

[Kenny Bunk]

I think the correct Catholic theological term you are seeking is to describe this wayward priest is
"all frocked up." Or don't "frock with the Pope."

But I don't feel too bad for this fellow. The way various sects are evangelizing* South America, he is sure to be picked up by the Holy Rollers, The Olde Mormons, The Unity Church, or maybe some snakefondling outfit. God knows there is no dearth of poisonous snakes there.

*Meanwhile, back in Mother Russia, the Roman Catholics are evangelizing among the Orthodox. Go figure.

[BlueDragon]

I'm glad you found the humor, thought you might. Some could get offended, since otherwise the actual subject matter of the thread is serious. But linking faggotry to "streaking", sort-of works on a level all it's own, too...

[jtal]

"Thirty years of service to God's people mean nothing,"

Leading the sheep astray is not service.

Matthew 18:6 / Mark 9:42 / Luke 17:2

[Pollster1]

"Thirty years of service to God's people mean nothing,"

When one has a "difference of opinion" with the Word of God, and decides to go public saying that God's Word is wrong, no, previous service doesn't mean a whole lot.

[Tax-chick]

That’s not a rainbow, it’s just multicolored.

[Mrs. Don-o]

You’re right.

[JustSayNoToNannies]

"Thirty years of service to God's people mean nothing," Mr Alessio said in response. "I had a different opinion from the archbishop [of Córdoba, Carlos José Ñáñez] and so they have chucked me out."

You're in for an infinitely worse chucking out when you die if you don't repent, Mr Alessio.

[Salvation]

God bless Pope Francis or the Archbishop who did this!

[A.A. Cunningham]

I wish journalists would learn that there is no such term as "defrocked" in the Catholic Church. I think they mean "laicized."

The term laicized is a secular one and is not found in Canon Law. The correct term is dismissal.

[Arthur McGowan]

"Laicized" at least means "reduced to the lay state," which is in Canon Law. I think "defrocked" or "unfrocked" comes from some Protestant church(es).

[old republic]

Oh Lordy, is that a rainbow stole? You need to give back that stole, Mr. Alessio. And while you're at it, give back the rainbow.

Give it back? No, burn it with fire.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Yup. Tagline.