Last week family and friends of Agnes Hicks, 54, were gathered in St Mary's Catholic Church in Charles County. However, they were told to leave by Fr Michael Briese after someone reportedly accidently knocked over and broke a chalice.
The family were forced to carry Hicks' casket out of the church yet claim the priest still called the police.
The Archdiocese of Washington released a statement apologising for the actions of the priest that "does not reflect the Catholic Church's fundamental calling to respect and uplift the God-given dignity of every person".
However, another statement revealed that pending the outcome of the archdiocese's investigation, Fr Briese would be stepping back from his position.
WATCH: cell phone video inside Maryland church shows heated argument between Pastor and family laying their loved one to rest. Pastor kicked family and hundreds of attendees out of funeral because someone knocked over and damaged church's sacred cup @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/MYQEybFYm3
— Anjali Hemphill (@AnjaliHemphill) June 28, 2018
"In his time as pastor of St Mary's, Fr Briese has accomplished a great deal for the local community, welcoming and helping people from all walks of life at his parish with support through his work with the local community food bank and offering employment assistance," the Archdiocese of Washington said.
"While acknowledging the gravity of this incident, it also does not reflect Fr Briese's ministry as a priest who serves the most vulnerable in the community. Pending the outcome of the archdiocese's investigation of this issue, Fr Briese has been placed on administrative leave."
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