Bishop Clive Harvey has announced the “immediate and indefinite” suspension of a Roman Catholic priest after he failed to refrain from making contentious remarks regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group as well as criticism of the church.
Bishop Harvey said that the suspension of Father Gerard Paul took effect on April 4 following the very public showdown between himself and the priest.
“The Church has rules, clear expectations, and protections for the People of God, enshrined in the Code of Canon Law and the ordinary teaching of Popes and bishops,” said the Bishop of the Diocese of St George’s, in a statement, adding “when Fr. Paul said, ‘I have no regrets and I will do it again’, he put himself beyond review and fraternal correction.”
The controversy began on March 27, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and subsequent statements made by Father Paul on various media platforms in which he accused the church here for not condemning the situation in Gaza.
Father Paul said at a recent clergy retreat, the situation was not even mentioned or addressed.