Priest Who Signed Gay Statement Resigns

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/01/011806priestQuits.htm

A Catholic priest who signed a statement affirming gay rights put together by clergy from several Christian denominations has informed parishioners at a Mesa church that he is resigning as pastor.

The Rev. Chris Carpenter, a leader in the Phoenix Diocese's ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, already had a three-month sabbatical planned for this year.
"But I feel the need for a more extended period of time off to try to resolve some health and other concerns," he told parishioners.

He said he suffers from asthma related to the area's bad air but didn't elaborate about the other concerns. He said he plans to remain a priest.

[NMDemDist2]

1. well I can attest that Mesa/Phoenix would be difficult with asthma

the air is awful here, esp with the winter blend fuels and the winter visitors rental cars clogging up the freeways

[adigal]

2. Maybe he will become an Episcopal priest

the local Episcopal priest in my town was a Catholic priest. He left, became an Episcopal priest and married a divorced woman with kids. He is a great guy, yet would be banned by the Catholic Church for marrying a divorcee.