Priest sacked for affair takes Catholic Church to tribunal

The Scotsman ^ | 30 June 2008 | FIONA MACLEOD

[Soliton]

PRIEST is to sue the Catholic Church for sacking him over an 18-year affair with a woman.

Former monsignor Joseph Creegan is the first Scottish priest to take the Church to court, claiming for lost wages via an employment tribunal.

However, it is understood church lawyers will attempt to have the case thrown out, arguing the clergyman did not work for them but for God.

If they are successful, the case will fail as only employees can go to a tribunal.

A senior priest and expert in canon law said yesterday: "His relationship is with God, he is a servant of God, not of the diocese or the bishop."

[Dilbert San Diego]

Interesting case. I’m sure under civil law, there is no basis for any legal action for something like this. But he violated his vow of celibacy, right? This could be a good legal test of civil law vs. church law, and what recourse is there if one violates church law when civil law is not involved.

[elcid1970]

“One of our priests has been having an affair with an adult member of the opposite sex!!!??

“We are shocked...shocked!! Throw the book at him!

;^)

[Soliton]

I thought the most interesting part of the article was the Church’s defense. “He don’t work for us, we just pay him.”

[stravinskyrules]

Sex is a gift from God.

Celibacy is idiocy.....and frustrating as hell.

[Hacksaw]

I thought the most interesting part of the article was the Church’s defense. “He don’t work for us, we just pay him.”

Problem is that your quote is not in the article - what was said was "There is no employer/employee relationship. Once a priest is incardinated into a parish, he is on his own. A priest can walk away, disappear any time he likes, there are no 'priest police' to bring him back."

Hope your science isn't as sloppy with facts.

[count-your-change]

I thought church canon law held the priest’s Bishop responsible for the priest’s financial support. If so perhaps the case will be made for the existence of a contract.

[Soliton]

Problem is that your quote is not in the article - what was said was "There is no employer/employee relationship.

His employer is the person or entity that pays him. Gettin' lawyered up ain't goin' to woik.

[Soliton]

Sex is a gift from God. Celibacy is idiocy.....and frustrating as hell.

True dat

[Hound of the Baskervilles]

"Celibacy is idiocy.....and frustrating as hell. "

St. Paul was celibate. Jesus said, "Some are eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can." Oh.... and Jesus was celibate.