RC Diocese of Allentown seeks Involuntary laicization of three Diocese of Bethlehem TEC Priests

Posted by Kendall Harmon

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The documents below explain themselves. Briefly, they relate to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown's desire to change the status of three of our clergy to the status of lay people.

I want to note here that the ordination of these three men was recognized by this church some years ago and their orders were received here. They are priests under the jurisdiction and protection of the Episcopal Church. Please be assured that nothing that might occur in the Roman church effects their identity, status, or work among us. I value each of them highly, as I am sure you know.

Faithfully,

--(The Rt. Rev) Paul Marshall, Bishop of Bethlehem

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • Ministry of the Ordained • * Religion News & Commentary • Other Churches • Roman Catholic

4 Comments
Posted May 26, 2012 at 9:00 am [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. Charles52 wrote:

Serious question: when Episcopal clergy join another church, are they not deposed? Is that not the same as laicization?

FWIW, I’ve know several Catholic priests who used to be Episcopal priests and they have never spoken of being deposed. But then, they probably would not.

May 26, 12:55 pm | [comment link]
2. Ad Orientem wrote:

This is just administrative house keeping. Nothing to get excited about. Under Roman Canon Law these priests would be viewed as having entered into schism and heresy by joining TEC, a fact they would have been fully aware of. Laicizing them is the normal course of action. This is not the same thing as deposing in the sense understood by we Orthodox. Rome does not believe one can lose the “grace” of Holy Orders so strictly speaking they would still be able to offer “valid” sacraments. All this means is that they cannot represent themselves as “Catholic” priests.

It goes without saying that they would also have been excommunicated.

May 26, 3:06 pm | [comment link]
3. Terry Tee wrote:

Ad Orientem is spot on target.  The writers of the letters themselves speak of clearing files/balancing books.  I don’t see much to get excited about.  They have taken themselves outside the authority of the Catholic Church, and have had, it seems fulfilling ministry within the Episcopal Church.  You can hardly blame the Catholic Church if - even belatedly - it wants to formalise the fact that they have left.

May 26, 3:12 pm | [comment link]
4. driver8 wrote:

How deliciously ironic…

May 26, 4:39 pm | [comment link]
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