The Staten Island pastor who signed off on a controversial plan to sell a former convent to the Muslim American Society has changed his mind.
St. Margaret Mary R.C. Church Pastor Keith Fennessy sent a letter to Archbishop Timothy Dolan saying “after careful reflection” he’s withdrawn his support for the convent sale. He also asked the New York Archdiocese to stop the deal from going forward.
Archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling said the parish trustees and a MAS attorney were informed of the letter on Thursday.
Zwilling said the pastor did not have the power to veto the sale. But he said the sale was not final until all approvals were met.
A MAS member said the organization would withhold comment until it had time to discuss the matter.