CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. – A Maryland priest has been placed on administrative leave after he booted mourners from a church where they were to hold a funeral.
The Archdiocese of Washington announced Tuesday that the Rev. Michael Briese is on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
On June 27, before a funeral for Agnes Hicks could begin at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte Hall, WTTG-TV reports a guest knocked over a chalice, damaging it and angering the priest. Hicks' daughter, Shanice Chisley, said Briese ordered everyone out and disrespected her deceased mother, saying "'get this thing out of my church! Everyone get the hell out of my church!'"
The archdiocese says Briese apologized to the family. In a letter published in the local newspaper, Briese said anger "was the most inappropriate response."
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
