Statement by The Most Reverend Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland: Background on the Excommunication of The Reverend Robert J. Marrone

After numerous unsuccessful attempts requesting his reconciliation with the Catholic Church, it is with sadness that in accordance with Canon (church) law I publicly declare that The Reverend Robert J. Marrone has elected to disassociate himself from the Church.

By violating the terms of his leave of absence and by taking a leadership role with a group that has removed itself from the governance of the Bishop of Cleveland, he has incurred the penalty of excommunication for the delict (canonical crime) of schism.

It is important to emphasize that a person who is excommunicated is still a member of the Church.