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An appeal of the threatened blanket excommunication of scores of Lincoln Catholics has been rejected by the Vatican, the Lincoln Diocese confirmed Friday.
But some canon law experts questioned whether such a blanket action was valid.
“It’s against the whole spirit of Church law,” said Monsignor Kenneth Lasch, a retired canon lawyer in Morristown, N.J.
Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz ordered Lincoln Catholics in March 1996 to sever their ties to 12 groups or face excommunication two months later. The bishop said the groups – including Call to Action, several Masonic organizations, and abortion-rights groups Planned Parenthood and Catholics for a Free Choice – contradict and imperil Catholic faith.
The order was put on hold while it was appealed.
Under excommunication, Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion. They cannot be married or buried in the church. Excommunicated Catholics may be forgiven through the sacrament of confession or may be absolved in their dying hour by a priest.
The Vatican notified Bruskewitz “some time ago” that the appeal was rejected, said Rev. Mark Huber, a spokesman for the diocese.
yankton.net/stories/030505/news_20050305034.shtml
But some canon law experts questioned whether such a blanket action was valid.
“It’s against the whole spirit of Church law,” said Monsignor Kenneth Lasch, a retired canon lawyer in Morristown, N.J.
Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz ordered Lincoln Catholics in March 1996 to sever their ties to 12 groups or face excommunication two months later. The bishop said the groups – including Call to Action, several Masonic organizations, and abortion-rights groups Planned Parenthood and Catholics for a Free Choice – contradict and imperil Catholic faith.
The order was put on hold while it was appealed.
Under excommunication, Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion. They cannot be married or buried in the church. Excommunicated Catholics may be forgiven through the sacrament of confession or may be absolved in their dying hour by a priest.
The Vatican notified Bruskewitz “some time ago” that the appeal was rejected, said Rev. Mark Huber, a spokesman for the diocese.
yankton.net/stories/030505/news_20050305034.shtml