Pittsburgh Diocese says priest, followers separate selves from church

Published: 2004-04-23

PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- A decision by a Pittsburgh priest to launch his own church and to preside at services implies separation from the Catholic Church for him and those who participate, according to a formal notification issued by a Pittsburgh diocesan official. According to his Web site and public statements, Father William Hausen, who has been on administrative leave, planned to preside at services at a rented ballroom in Sewickley, near Pittsburgh, beginning May 2. "This newly established church is not recognized nor sanctioned either by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh or the Apostolic See," said the notification issued by Father Lawrence DiNardo, vicar for canonical services for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. It was published April 16 by the Pittsburgh Catholic, diocesan newspaper.

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