The Church has no rules against gay people serving as acolytes and it is not a sin to be gay. So who do these 12 people think they are? The Bishop should not have interfered since Mr Corcoran had done nothing wrong in the eyes of the Church & his action infers that Fr Hood is not in charge of his parish. This could set a precedent elsewhere if a select few do not like the pastor or those who assist a priest during Mass.
Mr Corcoran's notion that the Human Rights Commission can help Bishop DeAngelis "deal with confrontation" is ludicrous. Human Rights Commissions provoke and stir up confrontation.
If Mr Corcoran feels the monetary penalties aren't the major issue let him not ask for any - and pay the respondents' costs from the beginning. Mr Corcoran sounds like another Richard Warman enriching himself.
I understand that Mr. Corcoran is hurt and felt he was receiving great graces from this service. i would like to remind him that serving the altar is not a right but a privilege. I would like to urge Mr. Corcoran to be merciful, not vengeful. humbly submitting to the Bishops request could bring further graces and spiritual growth while suing is more likely to alienate. Our Father who art in Heaven... forgive us our offenses as we forgive those who offend us.