Eco-Bishop Steps down from Pulpit, by Josephine Tovey, Sydney Morning Herald, June 10, 2009

Eco-Bishop Steps down from Pulpit

By Josephine Tovey
Sydney Morning Herald
June 10, 2009

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/ecobishop--steps-down-from-pulpit-20090609-c29y.html

A PROMINENT and outspoken Australian bishop who took extended leave without explanation six weeks ago formally resigned last night, citing personal reasons and ill health.

Bishop Christopher Toohey, known as the country's "eco-bishop" for his passionate environmentalism, took leave from his position in the Wilcannia-Forbes diocese in April amid keen speculation.

Personal reasons cited ... Bishop Christopher Toohey.
Photo by Peter Morris

The Balmain-born clergyman, who was the subject of a recent Compass documentary, holds views on climate change that are sharply at odds with Cardinal George Pell.

Bishop Toohey announced his leave in a letter to his clergy, on April 29: "I have accepted some strong advice and have gone on extended leave," he wrote.

"I would appreciate your prayers at this time."

A spokeswoman for Cardinal Pell said last night the bishop had resigned "for health and personal reasons and is currently on leave".

When contacted by the Herald, Bishop Toohey said he "had his own personal reasons" for resigning but did not want to make any further comment.

Brain Crowe, of the Catholic news website Catholica, broke the news of his anticipated resignation last month.

The bishop's resignation has been met with sadness within the diocese, which stretches from Queensland south to the Murray River.

"He's been a very dynamic man," said Father Jim Victory, from Hay. "For a fellow that was born and bred in the city … he certainly endeared himself to people in the bush."

Sources from within the church said the sheer size and lack of human and financial resources held by the diocese were too much for the charismatic and vigorous clergyman.

Only 16 priests remain in the diocese, which has 20 parishes.

One priest also told the Herald that more could have been done to support the drought-affected area financially. "When you look at what was spent at World Youth Day," said the priest, who asked not to be named, "the people [in Wilcannia-Forbes] are not stingy but they just don't have the cash. His leaving should be a call to the whole of Australia to be more national and less parochial."