Catholic priest starting his own church?

Priest may be forming breakaway church
Catholic leaders issue stern warning
Thursday, April 08, 2004
By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A Catholic priest, who was transferred two years ago after delivering a vulgar Easter homily advocating the ordination of women and married men, may be starting a breakaway church, Catholic officials said yesterday.

A Web site says that the Rev. William Hausen will be pastor of Christ Hope Ecumenical Catholic Church, which will begin holding services May 2 at Sewickley Country Inn.

"Please be advised that this church is not part of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, is not recognized by Bishop [Donald] Wuerl, and is not sanctioned either by this diocese or the Apostolic See [Vatican]," said a notice faxed to pastors late yesterday afternoon. "You may wish to advise your parishioners of this notification and that participation in this church has grave consequences."

In his Easter homily two years ago, Hausen said parishioners should be "pissed off" about the sex scandal enveloping the church and that the church should allow women and married men to serve as priests. He was transferred from his position as parochial vicar of St. James in Sewickley to parochial vicar of his home parish, Sacred Heart in Shadyside.

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