Hermits ordered to leave presbytery

THREE HERMITS living in a presbytery in the Diocese of Northampton say they have been asked to leave by the bishop following complaints about the behaviour of one of their number who regularly preaches and distributes leaflets against homosexuality.

The self-styled “Black Hermits” say they have been told they have until 20 July to leave the presbytery at St Patrick’s, Millais Road, Corby.

One of their number, Br Damon Kelly, was arrested last December under Section 5 of the Public Order Act for issuing leaflets that were considered by Cambridge police to be of a homophobic nature but did not constitute a criminal offence. His lawyer has said distributing material on the street is protected by freedom of speech although it is understood Br Damon enters private property to put leaflets through letterboxes.

He has been charged with harassment over two pamphlets and is reported to be due in court on 18 May. If convicted he could receive a prison sentence. He has been arrested 10 times.

The hermits claim the Bishop of Northampton, Peter Doyle, says they have brought him and the diocese into disrepute. They claim that although Bishop Doyle, who is due to attend the Synod on the Family in Rome in October, agrees with the theology behind Brother Damon’s leafleting, he does not agree with his methods. The hermits – founded by Fr Stephen De Kerdrel and including Sr Colette Farrell-Roberts – wrote on their website last week: “We do not have anywhere to go … we just need somewhere for our cats!” Bishop Doyle said he “understood that any communication between us would remain private”.