The Deacon's Bench
You may remember this story from a few days ago, regarding a California priest who was allegedly removed from his parish over a homily. The parish disputed that, citing instead “issues with his interpersonal relationships with parish staff and parishioners.”
Saturday, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles released a statement on his situation, which confirms what others have said:
Contrary to initial blog posts and as noted in the Statement of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles dated September 3 (see below), Father Juan Carlos Gavancho was asked to leave Our Lady of Sorrows not due to the content of his homily on Sunday August 26, but rather because of issues with his interpersonal relationships with parish staff and parishioners. He was asked to leave after multiple complaints from parishioners and parish personnel throughout the two months he was at Our Lady of Sorrows.
While the Archdiocese had on file a clean letter of good standing from the Diocese where Father previously served for three years, the Vicar for Clergy office, which is the office responsible for these matters, further reviewed Father Gavancho’s history and status. It learned that Father Gavancho had a past history of similar complaints regarding his behavior. That is exactly why the Archdiocese took the steps to hold Father Gavancho personally accountable for his actions and removed him for the good of the parish community.
In the Archdiocese, Regional Bishops have no direct authority in the assignment of priests to the parishes and ministries in their Region. Despite posted claims and insinuations, Bishop Robert Barron had no role in the decision to assign or remove Fr. Gavancho from the parish.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has recalled Father Gavancho, since that is his home diocese. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is providing financial assistance for his transition to Chicago.
Read more about the initial controversy here.
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