The newly appointed Catholic Archbishop of Sydney the Right Reverend Doctor George Pell arrived at St Mary's Cathedral for his inauguration last Thursday, in a limousine that would make Madonna blush.
Dr Pell is known for his public message against homosexuality and once described homosexual activity as a much greater health risk than smoking, according to The Canberra Times.
The newly "politically" appointed Bishop was greeted not by an adoring flock, but rather by some 50 protesters screaming "Go to hell Pell!" - the former Archbishop of Melbourne's conservative theology has never been popular with minority groups. The gay and lesbian community being one of Dr Pell's favored targets asserting his opinion in such ways as refusing to administer communion to openly gay parishoners.
Tonight's small but vocal crowd were quickly surrounded by some 15 police who "took control" by pulling a young male from the group of protestors and dragging him away. A further group of three young men and women were also arrested. It is understood that only one young female will be charged with assault, the others were released with warnings.
No official statement has been made by the Catholic Church, the NSW Police Force nor the arrested protestors.
Two months ago, some 40 protesters outside hung nooses, held banners that read "Homophobia =Youth Suicide" and screamed "George Pell, go to hell" while Dr Pell led the Easter service in a packed East Melbourne church.