We learned this week that the Austrian leaders of the organization, “We are Church,” Martha and Gert Heizer, received an excommunication order, for conducting “mass” without a legitimate ordained Catholic priest.  I have never attended their house church gatherings, so I couldn’t say, if that is really what happened.  I wonder if their local bishop or any of the Vatican have any eye witness testimony.

Unfortunately, the Institutional Church appears to operate from a sociological framework, i.e. the Church is a company and we are its’ employees.  The employees are obligated to abide by the policies and procedures of the employing company.  If the employees do not comply, they are dismissed.  That is what the Church Company did to these employees, these particular catholic people.

It seems to me, that this situation, is an opportunity to listen, learn, and develop.  Rather than an excommunication order, there probably should have been an invitation to come to Rome, and speak, with none other than Pope Francis himself.

Assuming that Pope Francis had much to do with this excommunication order, he is appearing to back-peddle on his many words of  recent months, especially in regards to  ignoring what comes from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation that issued the excommunication order.  If he approved this action, then, it also suggests, that he is not really genuine in his seemingly open and listening posture.

I dare say, that neither parties in this fiasco possess the whole TRUTH. There needs to be much, serious, honest, generous discussion.

These house church gatherings that may or may not, purport to be having a “mass”, I suggest, are happening in many, many places.  We need to look at why. 

I would have dearly loved that the day of Rome acting as the demanding and intolerant, arrogant, parent, might have passed, but, alas, we may still be saddled with a yoke that does not come from Christ.   Rome might well continue to wear the title that Jesus gave to his Pharisees and Sadducees, “You Brood of Vipers”.

By the same token, I know that Christ must be the one to choose his people to act in his name. I do not support any ecclesial act of lawlessness which disobeys Christ, whether that is on the part of the institution, or the people.  We need to come together as one and talk.

Allow me to say, that, placing this Austrian couple with the ranks of priests who abused children is abhorrent.  None of the clergy from priest to pope were excommunicated for church or civil indictable offences.  Clearly, something is really twisted!

Pope Francis, I certainly, hope you remedy this entire situation as Jesus Christ would determine. A Jesus Christ who invited sinners to dine with him at the table, and a Jesus Christ who warns us about throwing the first stone, or seeing the stick in someone else’s eye, but, not the log, in our own, or a Jesus Christ, who says, you Sadducees and Pharisees, you lay heavy burdens on people, and do nothing to relieve them. (paraphrased)

“The laity are as central to the Church as the Institution” says the Vatican II documents, then, let it be so!  Engage the people in an adult faith discussion and in a way that respects the people’s intelligence, vision, voice, dedication, and their Christian vocations.

As well, if Rome insists on using the club of excommunication, then, at least, let it fair. I am dumbfounded that those who do the excommunicating, are so very, very sure, that they, are acting in the name of Christ, and are therefore justified and pleasing to God.  Really?

Do away with excommunication and start communicating.  I wonder if Rome is going to receive any pushback over this…I guess, we’ll have to wait and see.

-----