Excommunication

[Rae8]

I knew of someone who as a teenager, desecrated a cemetery with some of his friends. (Grave robbery) Would he have been excommunicated for such a thing? He left the Catholic church near that time and later became protestant. I was wondering if there might be a reason he has not returned to the Church.

Another question I have is if someone IS excommunicated, is that a permanent thing or can they later petition to come back to the church?

Thanks

 

[sw85]

I knew of someone who as a teenager, desecrated a cemetery with some of his friends. (Grave robbery) Would he have been excommunicated for such a thing? He left the Catholic church near that time and later became protestant. I was wondering if there might be a reason he has not returned to the Church.

Another question I have is if someone IS excommunicated, is that a permanent thing or can they later petition to come back to the church?

Thanks

Grave robbery is a heinous, vile sin but not an excommunicable offense. Schism, on the other hand, is an excommunicable offense, but it’s debatable whether or not your friend incurred it since it depends on a variety of circumstances.

Excommunication can be lifted; if your friend wants to reenter the Church, he should speak to the pastor of his parish.