“This is obviously a very serious violation of the commitments, obligations and duties of the priesthood”

My blog neighbor Rebecca Hamilton first posted on this a couple days back, and I’m only now catching up.

But all I can add is (as we say in Brooklyn): oy.

From Rebecca’s blog:

It seems that last November, Father Letourneau secretly got married. He then tried to hide it and continue his work as a priest. He succeeded in this until just recently, when the Archbishop found out about his marriage.

The Oklahoman has details: 

Diane Clay, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, said Friday that Archbishop Paul S. Coakley removed the Rev. Dan Letourneau as administrator of St. Joseph Old Cathedral, 307 NW 4, for a personal matter that does not involve any illegal activity.

In a statement to The Oklahoman, Coakley said he learned about Letourneau’s marriage after removing him from his post.

“After I removed Father Dan Letourneau from his assignment at St. Joseph Old Cathedral on Tuesday, it came to my attention that he had recently entered into a civil marriage,” Coakley said.

“This is obviously a very serious violation of the commitments, obligations and duties of priesthood. I deeply regret his decision and the impact this has had on the Catholic community and the people he has served. I will continue to pray for Dan and for those who have been hurt by his actions.”

You can read more at the link. 

Prayer for all concerned—the priest, his bride, and the people he served.