Melbourne-based news site The Age reports that Australian priest Greg Reynolds received a letter last week from Pope Francis [ http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/church-dumps-rebel-priest-20130920-2u5jp.html ], informing him that he had been excommunicated. The order means Reynolds is officially prohibited from participation in the sacraments and services of the Catholic Church.
The letter, written in Latin, did not give a reason for the decision; however, the Archdiocese of Melbourne -- the district which oversaw the three churches where Reynolds preached -- told the Australian Associated Press that Reynolds had been shut out because he was publicizing his views that women should be ordained as priests [ http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/21/vic-priest-excommunicated-over-teachings ]. The Archdiocese also said Reynolds was removed for holding unauthorized communion ceremonies.
His 32 years of official priesthood behind him, Reynolds began operating an informal church in Melbourne [ http://www.inclusive-catholics.com/ ] in 2012. Called the Inclusive Catholics, the organization accepts homosexuality and allows women to help lead services.
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