BISHOP Mario Conti, the new Bishop of Aberdeen has lifted the diocesan ban placed On Fr Adrian Hastings by Mgr Fitzpatrick, Aberdeen's Vicar Capitular.,..
Bishop Conti announced his decision to patch up the disagreement with Fr Hastings to the Aberdeen clergy at a meeting after he took office at a ceremony in St Mary's Cathedral last Friday.
I I Nv of 'gamily assumed that Fr Hastings had been banned because or his refusal to celebrate Mass where the laity were not allowed to receive Commynion under both kinds.
Fr Hastings claimed. how ever, that the ban was the result of a speech he made. at a Northern Ireland Peace Rally advocating changes in policy towards mixed marriages and school integration.
In a letter to Fr Hastings. Bishop Conti said: '•1 regret what has happened, not least because. in my opinion. it has hindered rather than furthered vs hat is a matter of great importance to you. namely the sharing by the faithful in the Cup of the Lord's Blood. I am far from being unsympathetic to your view.
"Since I know of no good reason why a priest of your evident integrity should not be made welcome, I extend to you again, un behalf of all, the hospitality of the diocese.
"You are welcome to say Mass in private or in public, and to assist. in pastoral work, at the discretion of the local parish priests. All 1 ask is that you observe the proprieties currently in I orce.
Fr Hastings said that he was delighted by the B.ishop's letter, but added that he would only celebrate Mass when he has permission to offer Communion under both kinds.
Church leaders in Argentina protest
Bishop Butler, the Bishop in Hertfordshire, was the leading signatory on a strongly worded letter of protest delivered to the Argentinian Embassy last week complaining about the deterioration in the defence of human rights in Argentina. highlighted by the torture and detention often experienced by Church personnel.