The Diocese of Toowoomba has been under the leadership of Bishop Bill Morris for the past 18 years and I pay tribute to his pastoral care of the Diocese during this time.
I am aware there had been matters of concern between Bishop Morris and the Holy See in recent years which have culminated in Monday’s announcement (May 2nd, 2011).
I’m sure Bishop Brian Finnigan will be a very capable Apostolic Administrator of the Toowoomba Diocese.
Bishop Brian has diligently served as one of my auxillary bishops since 2002 and is a former General Secretary of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
I am only too happy to assist Bishop Morris and Bishop Finnigan in this difficult time for the Diocese of Toowoomba.
Bishop Morris served excellently as a priest in the Archdiocese of Brisbane and if he so desires in the future his episcopal presence in the archdiocese would be most welcome and helpful.
I will continue to pray for Bishop Morris, Bishop Finnigan and the priests, religious and people of the Diocese of Toowoomba and I ask the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Brisbane to do likewise.
Most Rev John Bathersby
Archbishop of Brisbane
May 3, 2011