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Monday, March 12, 2012

No Communion (or Funerals) for Lesbians: Priest Put on Forced Leave

Father Marcel Guarnizo, the priest who refused to give communion to a lesbian at her mother's funeral in Gaithersburg, MD last month has been placed on administrative leave by his diocese.

“Father Marcel Guarnizo’s assignment at St. John Neumann Parish is withdrawn and he has been placed on administrative leave with his priestly faculties removed until such time as an inquiry into his actions at the parish is completed,” Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the archdiocese wrote in a letter obtained by The Washington Post.

The letter also stated that "this action was taken after I received credible allegations that Father Guarnizo has engaged in intimidating behavior toward parish staff and others that is incompatible with proper priestly ministry.”

In addition to refusing Barbara Johnson communion during the funeral mass for her mother, "because it's a sin," Father Guarnizo declined to accompany the family to the cemetary for final burial rites, and fled the church before mass had concluded.  Daily News

bye bye (and kudos for the diocese for humanly correct behavior)

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