Phoenix Priest Resigns Over Vatican Instruction

A Catholic priest in Mesa has resigned as a pastor because of "aggressive anti-gay positions" coming from the pope in Rome and bishop in Phoenix.

The Rev. Leonard Walker, 58, who as pastor was chief executive of Queen of Peace church, is the first priest in the Phoenix Diocese to resign over church treatment of gay men, specifically a new Vatican document aimed at keeping gay men out of the priesthood.

Say what!!! Chief Executive of Queen of Peace church? Can we conclude that he was not much of a pastor, then?

Walker declined to disclose his sexual orientation, but he said he was no longer comfortable "wearing the uniform" of the priesthood.

No longer "wearing the uniform"???? Then let us put on the armor of Christ, Padre!

It's like a Jew wearing a Nazi uniform," Walker said. "I could no longer stay in that institution with any amount of integrity."

Choice words, eh? Integrity? As Chief Executive, I wonder how reverently he celebrated Holy Mass? Did he teach the faithful the Truth?

He said that [Bishop] Olmsted has been "aggressively anti-gay," unlike previous bishops, and that the Vatican also has taken anti-gay positions.

Oh, please....me thinks it might be a guilty conscience...Fidelity to Christ requires that one uphold His teachings and those of His Church, regardless of how difficult those may be. One must have Faith!

It's sad to see the demise of those who have been ordained to the priesthood, yet the Church must remain faithful to Christ despite the outrages and calumnities hurled against her, even if this comes from those who were supposed to be shepherds for Christ, guarding and nourishing His flock...This man (and doubtless, many others) need God's graces and our hopes that our prayers might have some benefit for their souls and for ours.

Article here.