East End priest quits amid land row

BY CHRISTINA FARRELL
THE PRIEST who battled with the Archdiocese of Westminster over its plans to build a multi-million pound school has resigned from active ministry.
Fr Francis van Son, 51, of St Mary and St Michael’s, Commercial Road in the East End of London, was arrested by police this summer when he attempted to stop developers working on land which he claimed was owned by the parish.
He insisted the parish owned the land in perpetuity and that the diocese, by claiming the site for the development of the Bishop Challoner Learning Village, was in breach of both canon and property law.
In a statement, the diocese confirmed that Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor had accepted the resignation of Fr van Son. “The archbishop said that he understands Fr Francis van Son’s desire to retire from active ministry on health grounds and has expressed concern for his future well-being,” the statement said. “He has also assured Fr Francis that the Diocese is willing to find him accommodation within easy reach of the hospitals where he has recently had treatment. Fr Francis has offered to be available for part-time supply work in the diocese.” Fr Martin Hayes will take over as administrator of the parish.