February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Horan was informed that his outrageous stunts at sporting events had gone too far at a meeting with his bishop in London last week.
The archbishop of Southwark informed Horan, 57, that he had been officially defrocked by the Vatican and could no longer call himself a priest, or carry out priestly duties.
Horan told reporters after the meting that he was stunned by the church’s action.
“I completely reject this decision. “I appeal to the much higher court of Heaven and the court of Jesus Christ. I now cannot preach, I cannot give out Communion. I am little more than a pagan,” he said.
Horan’s impromptu press conference was delivered in the garb that has become his trademark: brown kilt, green waistcoat and beret.
Horan denied that he was an embarrassment to the church and said that his beliefs came from the heart.
A church spokesman said that the church would continue to be concerned for Horan’s well-being, but made it clear that Horan had been dismissed from his Holy Orders.
Horan made headlines around the world during the Athens Olympics with his bizarre ambush of the race leader.
Horan ran onto the course at the 22-mile mark mile and pushed Vanderlei de Lima of Brazil.
De Lima was knocked out of his rhythm and ended up with the bronze medal. Horan was given a 12-month suspended sentence by a Greek court and fined