Free Republic

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo Washington D.C., Mar 14, 2012 / 01:25 pm (CNA).- In an extensive statement provided to CNA, Father Marcel Guarnizo insists that the reasons the Archdiocese of Washington placed him on leave “have everything to do” with his recent decision to withhold communion from Barbara Johnson.Fr. Guarnizo explains that he decided to issue the detailed March 14 statement because of the questions his parishioners and the public are asking about the recent incident.His response, which is published below, offers corrections to previous news reports, responds to canonical arguments and gives information about where the allegations of intimidation...

I would like to begin by once again sending my condolences to the Johnson family on the death of Mrs. Loetta Johnson. I also feel obliged to answer questions from my parishioners, as well as from the public, about the incident on February 25th. Here are the facts: On Saturday, February 25th I showed up to officiate at a funeral Mass for Mrs. Loetta Johnson. The arrangements for the Mass were also not my own. I wish to clarify that Ms. Barbara Johnson (the woman who has since complained to the press), has never been a parishioner of mine. In...