The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Investigation by church over Easter sermon
AN investigation was launched by the Roman Catholic church after a County Durham priest left his parishioners stunned when he was talking about the crucifixion during a sermon in front of 100 people.
Father Thomas Mchale is said to have used his sermon on Good Friday to talk about the crucifixion, but in an unusual turn, he focused on the anatomical aspects of the brutal execution and claimed that Jesus Christ would have had an erection when nailed to the cross.
The American church leader told 100 Catholics at Our Blessed Lady Immaculate in Blackhill, near Consett, that the blood would have rushed to Jesus’ lower half.
Some parishioners complained to the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle, which confirmed it had upheld a complaint into Father Mchale. However, the priest has remained in his role.
One parishioner told The Times: “The church was shocked. There were young families there.”
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: “A complaint was received and has been investigated in keeping with our diocesan complaints policy.
The investigation has been very recently completed and the complaint is upheld.
“Father Mchale has accepted that his words were inappropriate and has apologised. He remains in post as parish priest.”