French Bishop Removes Three Conservative Priests After Parish Disputes
Fathers François-Régis Favre, Éloi Legrand, and Pierre-Marie Brochery, began serving in the parishes of Albert, Bray-sur-Somme, Mailly-Maillet, and Acheux in September 2025. They will depart at the end of the current pastoral year.
In a statement released on April 27, Bishop Gérard Le Stang said the decision followed “a long period of reflection” and consultations with diocesan clergy and parishioners. He described the situation as having created a “deep and lasting disruption” within the communities.
Cassocks, Novus Ordo in Latin
The priests drew criticism from some parishioners for wearing cassocks, celebrating the Novus Ordo partly in Latin, and emphasizing moral teaching.
Complaints also emerged regarding what some described as divisive preaching.
One deacon reportedly criticized homilies mentioning sin and societal decline.
Another controversy arose when one of the priests refused to host a non-religious concert in a church, arguing it could profane the sacred space.
On September 1, the affected parishes will be entrusted to the vicar general Louis-Pasteur Faye.
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