On the "Womenpriests" Excommunications: Consequences for the Universal and Local Church

The excommunications and other censures imposed or otherwise declared against McGrath, Hudson and Fresen have potentially important consequences for the Catholic Church, both here in St. Louis and worldwide.

I have linked to Ed Peters analysis below, but there are some other important elements about this decree I would like to discuss.

Consequences for the Universal Church

1) These are the first excommunications of persons who are members of the creatively-titled "Roman Catholic Womenpriests", or "RCWP". Women who have simulated ordination have been excommunicated before, i.e., the infamous Danube Seven, but the RCWP did not exist at that time. Why is this important? Because His Grace refers to the RCWP as a "new and separate sect". Furthermore, Archbishop Burke relates as one of the preconditions of his decree against Fresen (the fake bishop) that she, "in the manner of the leader of a schism", had formally and directly engaged in the founding and development of the separate sect of the RCWP organization, and that she had publicly stated that her sect is outside the hierarchy of the Church.

Because of this fact, those who in the future cooperate with, attend, aid, abet, join or otherwise assist the RCWP are assisting and furthering a schismatic sect. Such actions are themselves schismatic and could be subject to penalty. It opens up the possibility of censures for any member or public supporter of the RCWP.

2) This is the first time that persons have been declared to have incurred excommunication latae sententiae, for schism, occurring through the attempted ordination of women. The Danube Seven were excommunicated on other grounds and said excommunications by the CDF were imposed ferendae sententiae.

3) Archbishop Burke's decree highlights that the rejection of an infallible "second paragraph" truth (see can. 750)-- in this case, the impossibility of women's ordination-- after having been admonished by the Ordinary is punishable by ferendae sententiae interdict.

4) RCWP spokesman Bridget Mary Meehan is now hoisted by her own petard with regard to one of their arguments about the validity of their orders. Obviously, any woman who claims to be a bishop is not a bishop-- Ordinatio Sacerdotalis confirms the ontological impossibility of this. But Meehan at her blog claims, "According to Roman Catholic teaching, any bishop in good standing with the pope has apostolic succession and has the authority to ordain." Archbishop Burke's decree declares, though, that the excommunicates are no longer Catholics in good standing. Thus, yet another domino falls.

5) Perhaps most important is the practical effect of these censures. Archbishop Burke, true to his courageous track record, has now set the precedent on how a Bishop should respond to the presence of these schismatics in their dioceses. There are many other "womenpriests" in the U.S. and around the world. Will their Bishops have the courage and good sense to follow Burke's example? How many other Bishops will zealously protect their flock, as His Grace has done?

This sets the precedent of how the Church views the ridiculous charades of putative ordinations of women. The RCWP, I'm sure, has gained, and hopes to gain, support for the notion that because the Bishops have known of their activities and had not taken any action, that they are de facto recognized. No more. Burke has literally laid down the law. There is no doubt that the sect and its "rites" are not in accord with Catholic teaching, and that the excommunicates are not Catholics in good standing.

Local Consequences

1) You'll recall that McGrath and Hudson were members of St. Cronan's parish, the location of the Talve-led vespers service (occurring on the sidewalk just off Church grounds), and several so-called "women-led liturgies". McGrath and Hudson were present at the vespers service, according to published reports.

Burke has decreed that effective immediately none of the excommunicates are allowed "to enter upon the grounds of any property of any parish or other institution of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, until they have formally and publicly withdrawn from their contumacy". If St. Cronan's pastoral team or members decide to admit their sisters on the grounds, they are asking to be identified with their schism. I wonder if they will obey the Bishop or if they will go down the path of schism and censure. I pray that the more sensible members of that parish will prevail on this one, and that their priest will exercise his pastoral duties in this matter.

2) The three excommunicates are forbidden the sacraments of the Church and may not receive communion from anyone, nor may they receive sacramental absolution without public retraction and repentance. Anyone attempting to give them either sacrament will commit mortal sin. Again, this is potentially problematic if these women continue to attend St. Cronan, or any other parish.

3) Finally, all Catholics are forbidden to assist or attend any of these women's supposed sacramental rites or rites of prayer. Though the Post-Dispatch story below indicates this may affect only 35 people a week, it has ramifications for the "women-led liturgies" and other events at any Catholic parish that will house them.

Pray for all involved-- that the Archbishop will continue his grace-filled leadership, and that the excommunicated ladies and their supporters will repent and be reconciled.