Toward clarity on abortion, excommunication, and the Eucharist — by Ed Peters
Prescinding for a moment from who said it (and allowing for the usual vexatious translation issues) a recent interview with a conscientious priest on the subject of abortion, excommunication, and denial of the Eucharist, illustrates well how widespread is the confusion in this area. (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1620570,00.html). In my opinion, these fundamental points must be sorted out, once and for all, so that those who must apply the norms to real cases can do so responsibly. I make some suggestions toward that goal here http://www.canonlaw.info/canonlaw_rodriquez.htm
PS: Be sure to see Phil Lawler's broader comments in his recent CWN Forum post, "Clarity, please, on excommunication” (http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51168).