Reverend Sebastian Meyer of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church read a statement at Mass this weekend to his church apologizing for his comments about President-Elect Obama at last Sunday's mass.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento is investigating allegations that Rev. Meyer forced a woman to leave church grounds because she put signs supporting Barack Obama on her car.
Elizabeth Caster was attending Sunday's Mass when the Rev. Meyer made the announcement. Witnesses say Meyer ordered a car with pro-Obama messages to be moved within 10 minutes, or else it would be towed.
Parishioner Peggy Sherod quotes Meyer as saying, "I don't care who Obama is. He won. Get over it."
Caster says two other cars were parked in the same area but weren't singled out. She says the priest followed her to the parking lot and ordered her to leave.
Rev. Meyer issued this statement at Mass this weekend.
"Last weekend, an incident took place where I asked a parishioner to move their vehicle because I thought it was parked illegally and hinder access to the church. I identified the car by describing the Obama for president signs that were on it. The fact I overreacted, and some of you, including the owner of the car, interpreted my remarks as critical of President-Elect Obama, when all I really meant to do-and should have done-was make a simple announcement asking the owner to mover their car."
"I have sent a letter of apology to the owner of the car and I want to apologize to all of you, as well, for my outburst and for the poor judgment I showed in expressing myself. I never meant to be disrespectful of anyone. I hope you can forgive me and for any offence I may have caused."
