Local Bishop claims no responsibility for "balloon priest"

When I reported on the story of a balloon-flying priest earlier in the week, I asked "Which bishop, exactly, approved this leave of absence?!"

Looks like the bishop in question ... is distancing himself from his earlier approval:

Bishop Joao Alves Dos Santos of Paranagua said this week the Church warned Father Adelir de Carli, who disappeared last Sunday, against the dangers of taking a balloon flight.

The 41 year-old priest was hoping to break a balloon flight record in order to raise money for a spiritual rest stop for truck drivers. Although he said he was prepared for the journey, he went missing a few hours after he began his flight and he has still not been found. Rescue efforts by the Brazilian Air Force were suspended on Thursday, but the priest's family is persisting in the search with the help of a rented twin engine plane.

Bishop Dos Santos had joined in the now suspended search effort and said he is praying for the wellbeing of the priest.

According to the bishop, the Church did not encourage Father De Carli to take the flight. “We respected his decision but we advised against the trip because it was dangerous,” he said. (CNA)

Sure, suspending yourself hundreds of feet above the ocean with party balloons. What's not to respect?

Seriously, I hope they find him. But is this sort of thing really the best way to raise money in Brazil?!