California diocese holds schism and heresy trial

Published: 2005-12-28

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (CNS) -- A church tribunal in the San Bernardino Diocese reviewed evidence in mid-December to determine whether the Rev. Ned Reidy, a former Catholic priest who now pastors his own separate church, is guilty of heresy and schism. Father Howard Lincoln, diocesan spokesman, told Catholic News Service by phone that Rev. Reidy was automatically excommunicated when he left the Catholic Church, but he was never laicized. He remains a priest, although no longer in good standing. Father Lincoln said Dec. 27 that the church tribunal that conducted the trial had not issued a verdict. He said the diocese views the trial as "the most prudent course to take ... as a means to officially clarify" Rev. Reidy's status in the church, since he continues to live and exercise ministry in the area where he used to be a Catholic pastor. The diocese has an obligation to "be clear about who is legally entrusted to minister in the name of the church," he said.

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