But when his bishop demanded his resignation - after a series of divisive remarks about politics and the pandemic - Altman refused to oblige and has since raised more than $640,000 from his conservative supporters to defend himself.

While not unprecedented, a Catholic priest's refusal to abide by a bishop's call to resign is certainly rare.

Altman's case, which has garnered national attention and made him a celebrity of sorts among some Catholics, has further fueled the divide between them and those urging a more progressive, inclusive church.

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