Ask Powerball : Abortion & Excommunication

I received a question that I think many people may wonder about. As much attention is focused on the pro-life battle, I've invited Rev. James Wehner, Rector at Saint Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA to respond to this question.

The question is about someone who has had an abortion, and went to confession and told the sin. Will that person be excommunicated even though they have gone to confession?

Dear Anonymous:

The sacrament of penance absolutely extends and manifests in a most definitive way the mercy and forgiveness of God. This is the Good News – that we are able to personally experience God’s mercy.The sacrament brings about this personal experience.

Excommunication results when one does not seek forgiveness and therefore removes
oneself from the communion of the Church. In earlier days, it was true that only bishops could forgive the sin of abortion. Today the “faculty” to forgive the sin of abortion is granted to all priests.In short, if one celebrates the sacrament of penance in a true spirit of seeking forgiveness, that sin is forgiven.

Now, not to muddy the waters but there is the final recompense of “justice” that is sought at the immediate judgment that occurs after death. Sins are forgiven but the judgment of God in determining the “purification” of an individual occurs. Here we understand that God gives us the opportunity to “purge” ourselves of all dispositions that would prevent us from really enjoying the glory of God.

Purgatory is given to those – even with sins forgiven – where conversion and purification is needed.

Thanks,
Fr. Jim

I want to thank Fr. Jim for taking the time to answer this important question. There are many false assumptions out there and it is always best to ask. Fr. Jim will join us on the radio show this Thursday (1/24) at 5pm for an entire hour.

If you have questions you would like to ask, please tune in or email those questions to me.