Maryknoll order threatens to expel priest who promotes women's ordination

March 30, 2011

The Maryknoll order has warned an excommunicated priest that he faces dismissal if he does not recant his public support for the ordination of women.

In August 2008, Father Roy Bourgeois, A Maryknoll priest with a long history of radical activism, preached at and participated in an "ordination" ceremony organized at a Unitarian church by "Roman Catholic Womanpriests." The ceremony was held just weeks after the Vatican issued a decree warning that participation in such attempted ordinations would bring the penalty of automatic excommunication.

Given a formal warning from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and a 30-day period in which to renounce his support for the attempted ordination of women, Father Bourgeois refused to change his stand. Now, more than 2 years later, he has received a warning from the Maryknoll order that he could be dismissed, and recommended for laicization, if he does not renounce his stand. The defiant priest has indicated that he will not recant.

 

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Further information:

• Maryknoll gives Bourgeois notice of removal from order (National Catholic Reporter)
• Excommunication looms for American Maryknoll active in 'Womanpriest' rites (CWN 11/12/08)
• Maryknoll priest faces disciplinary action over role in Womenpriests’ ceremony (CWN 8/18/08)