William Kamm aka “Little Pebble”


As Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, I have been approached by many members of the Maronite community, who have learnt with consternation of the imminent release from jail of William Kamm, alias "Little Pebble", who founded the so-called “Order of St Charbel”. They seek guidance as to his status within the Church, and ask why his so-called order is named after a great Maronite saint. I am therefore authorising the release of this statement to clarify matters, not only for Maronites, but for all interested parties.

William Kamm and his so-called “Order of St Charbel” have no connection whatsoever with the Maronite Catholic Church. He was excommunicated from the Catholic Church on 10 June 2003, and therefore cannot receive any sacraments of the Church, or exercise any ministry or function within the Church. His teachings and movement are repudiated by both the Maronite Catholic and the Roman Catholic Church.

The faithful are banned from joining or assisting, directly or indirectly, the so-called "Order of St Charbel". It is not part of the Maronite Catholic and the Roman Catholic Church, whether in Australia, Lebanon or any other part of the world. In particular, it has no connection whatsoever with the church, monastery and school of St Charbel at Punchbowl, all of which are projects of the Lebanese Maronite Order. The  so-called "Order of St Charbel" was directed to disband by the Bishop of Wollongong on 16 June 2002, after making several unsuccessful approaches to the Holy See for approval.

I urge and direct the faithful to avoid and distance themselves from this man, who has been convicted on multiple counts of moral misconduct; and to likewise avoid and distance themselves from the so-called “Order of St Charbel”.

14 November 2014

+ Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay
Maronite Bishop of Australia

CONVERSATION

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