Priest excommunicated for joining movement not in communion with Roman Catholic Church

By Robert DeFrancesco | May 4, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

A diocesan priest incurred the penalty of excommunication last month by joining a group known as the Reformed Catholic Church.

Fr. Christopher Carpenter, on leave from his priestly duties since February 2006, was notified of his excommunication in a letter from Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted dated April 21.

In an East Valley Tribune blog last month, it was publicly revealed that Fr. Carpenter had joined the Reformed Catholic Church, a group that is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

Fr. Carpenter has freely separated himself from the Church and has placed himself in schism. This act resulted in a censure known as a latae sententiae excommunication.

As an excommunicated priest, Fr. Carpenter cannot participate in the celebration of the Mass or in any other ceremonies of worship. He is also prohibited from celebrating or receiving any of the sacraments, and cannot represent himself as a priest.

Questions and Answers: What does this mean for Fr. Carpenter?

“It is important for the bishop to publicly clarify the status of a priest when he has taken such a step to distance himself from the Catholic Church,” said Fr. Fred Adamson, vicar general and moderator of the Curia. “The bishop’s desire is for reconciliation and unity.”

Fr. Carpenter, 41, has been living in southern California for the past three years since taking his leave of absence as pastor of Christ the King Parish in Mesa. He was also the film critic for The Catholic Sun. He was ordained a priest in 1995.

According to canon law, baptized Catholics who knowingly place themselves outside of full communion with the Church and in opposition to the legitimate authority of the Church are subject to excommunication.

The excommunication became “automatic” once Fr. Carpenter became affiliated with the Reformed Catholic Church. The bishop’s notice to him, the “Decree of Excommunication,” was the formal declaration of what had already happened by virtue of his schismatic act.

The primary purpose of excommunication is to repair the scandal caused by the teachings and actions of the cleric, to restore justice in the Church and to reform the offender.

“It’s always difficult to see a brother priest take such action and distance himself from the community and the sacramental life of the Church,” Fr. Adamson said.

The bishop expressed sadness in Fr. Carpenter’s decision to leave the Church and offers his prayers for reconciliation with Christ and His Church.