Pope Francis Excommunicates Pro-Gay Marriage Priest for ‘Heresy’

Is Pope Francis doing a double-take on his gay marriage stance?
Share:

Last week, Pope Francis encouraged Christians to stop “obsessing” over moral issues like homosexuality and abortion and called for a greater study of the role of women in the church. However, this week, Fr. Greg Reynolds of Melbourne, Australia, told the National Catholic Reporter he believes Pope Francis recently excommunicated him for his vocal support of the gay community and women’s ordination.

Excommunication is the harshest penalty the Catholic Church can dole out. It means an individual is no longer allowed to participate in the sacraments or worship ceremonies and can never officiate Mass again.

Reynolds says Pope Francis sent him a letter dated May 31 and written in Latin—a letter that gave no official explanation for the excommunication but that accused Reynolds of heresy and claimed he had violated the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Because Reynolds doesn’t know the Latin language, Melbourne archdiocese canon lawyer Fr. John Salvano translated the letter for him. The news came as a huge shock to Reynolds.

“The Vatican never contacted me and it gives no explanation,” Reynolds told the National Catholic Reporter. “My excommunication is in the best traditions of the Inquisition. I am very surprised that this order has come under his [Pope Francis’] watch; it seems so inconsistent with everything else he has said and done.

“In times past, excommunication was a huge thing, but today the hierarchy has lost such trust and respect. I’ve come to this position because I’ve followed by conscience on women’s ordination and gay marriage.”

The Catholic Reporter says the order came directly from the Vatican and not from Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart, Reynolds’ former superior. Hart told the newspaper that Reynolds was excommunicated because “after his priestly faculties were withdrawn, he continued to celebrate the Eucharist publicly and preach contrary to the teachings of the church.”

The letter stated that the decree is “a final and unappealable decision and subject to no recourse” and that the decree was “to be imposed on said priest for the good of the Church.” The document was signed by Archbishop Gerhard Muller, prefect for the congregation, and his secretary, Jesuit Archbishop Luis Ladaria.

Reynolds told the Catholic Reporter that he has attended rallies advocating same-sex marriages in Melbourne during the past two years. He also has officiated Mass weddings of gay couples that were “unofficial, of course,” he says.

In 2011, Reynolds resigned as a parish priest and in 2012 founded Inclusive Catholics, an organization that supports women’s ordination and gay marriage.

Although Pope Francis has called for increased compassion for women and gays, he still does not condone homosexuality or women’s ordination. The Catholic Church continues its stance against both.

According to the National Catholic Reporter, Reynolds became the second Australian Catholic to be excommunicated, following that of Sister Mary MacKillop in 2010. She was excommunicated by her local bishop but was reinstated.

Reynolds says that despite his excommunication, he will continue to push for reform in the Catholic Church.

“My motivation is trying to encourage reform and clear need for renewal in the church,” he told The Standard newspaper. “I still love the church and am committed to it. I’m just trying to bring about in my own little way to help highlight some of the failings and limitations.”

Share:

Related topics:

See an error in this article?

Send us a correction

To contact us or to submit an article

Click and play our featured shows

Celebrating Mandisa: Faithful, Resilient and Triumphant

The recent passing of Mandisa Hundley, known to many as simply Mandisa, has left a hurt in the hearts of family, friends and fans worldwide. As authorities continue their investigation into her unexpected death, the focus remains on celebrating her...

Jonathan Cahn: Israel, Iran and End Times Prophecy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfdc2g8Jwfc&t=1714s There’s something much greater and deeper to the Iranian attack on Israel than meets the eye. While news outlets can only provide the basic facts and propose diplomatic solutions, Rabbi and prophetic voice Jonathan Cahn says that what happened...

Byron Stinson Shares Miracle of God’s Protection Amid Missile Attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCNukOIih1E&t=209s In a recent interview with Charisma News, Byron Stinson shared his firsthand experience of God’s protection over Israel during a missile attack from Iran. Stinson, currently in Israel, recounted the event, saying, “When Iran sent missiles into attack Israel...

Dog the Bounty Hunter Talks Spiritual Warfare, Faith

When people think of Dog the Bounty Hunter, they may not think of a warrior in the spiritual realm. However, he may have more experience with the supernatural than anyone thought. Dog, whose real name is Duane Chapman, discussed with...

Professor Reveals Lasting Impact of Asbury Revival 14 Months Later

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnO1qnhzEx0 BYLINE: Billy Hallowell/Faithwire Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin, author of the soon-to-publish book, “Generation Awakened: An Eyewitness Account of the Powerful Outpouring of God at Asbury,” told CBN News the behind-the-scenes details of the Asbury revival, what she sees happening...

Morning Rundown: Taylor Swift’s Latest Anti-Holy Spirit Album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnrT0Fdum-M&t=11s Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on charismanews.com: Taylor Swift’s Latest Anti-Holy Spirit Album Taylor Swift is holding nothing back on her latest album when it comes to her personal beliefs. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is...

Government Educators Putting Homeschoolers in Their Sights

Johns Hopkins School of Education’s upcoming launch of a “Homeschool Hub” has stirred apprehensions among homeschooling advocates, particularly those with a Christian viewpoint favoring homeschooling over public schools. Financed by supporters of taxpayer-funded private and home education, the new initiative...

Allen Parr Reveals the Signs of a False Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_LozmrkYMA In our world today, it seems as though Christians are attacking other Christians in unprecedented numbers. Are many of these teachers actually false teachers, or do we just disagree with one another? In an exclusive interview with Charisma News,...

Gov. Ron DeSantis Says No to Satanic Temple in Schools

The U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment I: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably...