Decree of Excommunication

by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

regarding the attempted priestly ordination of some Catholic women

5 August 2002

PREFACE TO THE DECREE OF EXCOMMUNICATION

In order to dispel any doubts about the canonical status of Bishop Romulo Antonio Braschi, who attempted to confer priestly ordination on several Catholic women, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith confirms that, as a schismatic, he has already incurred excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See.

DECREE OF EXCOMMUNICATION

Pursuant to the warning issued by this Congregation on July 10, 2002, and published the following day, because the women Christine Mayr-Lumetzberger, Adelinde Theresia Roitinger, Gisela Forster, Iris Müller, Ida Raming, Pia Brunner and Angela White did not within the period that ended on July 22, 2002, give any indication of amendment or repentance for the most serious offense they had committed, this Dicastery, in keeping with this warning, declares that they have incurred excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See, with all the effects established by canon 1331 of the Code of Canon Law.

In having to take this action, the Congregation trusts that, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, the above-mentioned persons may rediscover the path of conversion in order to return to the unity of the faith and to communion with the Church, which they have wounded by their actions.

Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 5, 2002.

Joseph Card. RATZINGER,
Prefect Tarcisio BERTONE, S.D.B. Archbishop emeritus of Vercelli, Secretary

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