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Fr. Guarnizo: They’re Lying About Me

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo, the priest whose ministerial faculties were withdrawn by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, has released a long statement defending his conduct in the incident in which he refused Buddhist lesbian Barbara Johnson communion. He explains his actions, and says the Archdiocese is spinning when it says his suspension has nothing to […]

Fr. Marcel Guarnizo, the priest whose ministerial faculties were withdrawn by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, has released a long statement defending his conduct in the incident in which he refused Buddhist lesbian Barbara Johnson communion. He explains his actions, and says the Archdiocese is spinning when it says his suspension has nothing to do with the communion incident. Excerpt:

I am confident that my own view, that I did the only thing a faithful Catholic priest could do in such an awkward situation, quietly, with no intention to hurt or embarrass, will be upheld.

Otherwise any priest could-and many will-face the cruelest crisis of conscience that can be imposed. It seems to me, the lack of clarity on this most basic issue puts at risk other priests who wish to serve the Catholic Church in Washington D.C.

As to the latest allegations, I feel obliged to alleviate unnecessary suffering for the faithful at St. John Neumann and others who are following the case.

I wish to state that in conversation with Bishop Barry Knestout on the morning of March 13, he made it very clear that the whole of the case regarding the allegations of “intimidation” are circumscribed to two conversations; one with the funeral director and the other with a parish staff member present at the funeral. These conversations took place on March 7th and 8th, one day before the archdiocese’s latest decision to withdraw faculties (not suspend, since Cardinal Wuerl is not my bishop) on the 9th of March. I am fully aware of both meetings. And indeed contrary to the statement read on Sunday March 11th during all Masses at St. John Neumann, both instances have everything to do with the Eucharistic incident. There is no hidden other sin or “intimidation” allegations that they are working on, outside of these two meetings. The meetings in question, occurred in our effort to document from people at the funeral Mass in written form a few facts about the nature of the incident. We have collected more than a few testimonies and affidavits, testifying to what really took place during the funeral liturgy.

Now it gets real. If the Archdiocese has anything else on Fr. Guarnizo, it’s going to have to release it. He’s basically called the Archdiocese a pack of liars.

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