Clergy dismissal unrest in Grojec parish

Tensions have escalated in the Grojec parish of the Bielsko-Żywiecka Diocese following the dismissal of long-time priest Józef Zborek. The Diocese stated Zborek was removed due to “proven serious irregularities in the performance of his duties,” a decision upheld by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy and the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Bishop Roman Pindel has characterized the situation as a “serious canonical crime.”

The dismissal led to violent confrontations between clergy and parishioners. During a visit to discuss the matter with the Parish Council, an aggressive crowd reportedly entered the church, necessitating police intervention and negotiators to facilitate the Bishop’s safe evacuation from the parish.

While the Diocese initially withheld specific details to protect privacy, the Bielsko-Żywiecka Curia has since released a statement detailing the offenses. The Curia reported that Zborek accepted mass intentions in numbers that “significantly exceeding what is permitted by canon law,” including performing up to six masses on certain Sundays. Additionally, the Curia addressed allegations regarding the destruction of church documents; during a December 2023 visitation, Zborek reportedly admitted to burning the current and previous years' mass intention books.

Although Zborek was removed from his office for offenses against the sacraments and document destruction, he remains a member of the clergy and has been offered opportunities for further service. Zborek previously indicated in a telephone interview that “everything will be clear at the appropriate time.”