Vermont priest removed after rejecting COVID-19 directive

A priest in Vermont was removed from his position after posting a video in which he refused to follow coronavirus-related requirements announced by his bishop.

Bishop Christopher Coyne of the Burlington Diocese issued a letter Tuesday regarding the decision to let go of Rev. Peter Williams of the Holy Family Parish in Springfield over his “disobedience and disrespect.” Williams had criticized church leadership over the established mask and vaccination policies and expressed that he had no desire to resign from his position.