Peter Kennedy (priest)

Peter Kennedy (1924-1997) was an Australian Roman Catholic priest and activist known for his controversial views and actions regarding social justice and liturgical reform. He served as a priest in South Brisbane for many years, where he established the St. Mary's Community Centre, providing services and support to the poor, homeless, and marginalized.

Kennedy gained notoriety for his unorthodox practices, including his welcoming attitude towards divorced Catholics, homosexuals, and people with AIDS, at a time when the Church held stricter views. He often challenged established Church doctrines and engaged in political activism, advocating for Aboriginal rights, peace, and environmental protection.

His progressive stances led to conflict with the Catholic Church hierarchy. In 1995, he was suspended from his priestly duties following a series of disputes with the Archbishop of Brisbane, John Bathersby. These disagreements centered on Kennedy's liturgical innovations, his social activism, and his defiance of Church authority. Kennedy continued to minister to his community despite his suspension, further exacerbating the tensions.

Kennedy's case became a cause célèbre, attracting widespread media attention and sparking debate about the role of the Church in society, the nature of religious authority, and the limits of dissent. He remained a figure of controversy until his death in 1997. His legacy continues to be debated within the Catholic Church and beyond, with some viewing him as a courageous prophet and advocate for the marginalized, while others see him as a disobedient and divisive figure who undermined Church teachings.