Lafayette, La. – The Vatican has affirmed the automatic excommunication of former local deacon Scott Peyton, a decision that underscores the Catholic Church’s stance on schism. Peyton, who left the Catholic faith after his son was sexually abused by a priest, appealed the excommunication imposed by Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette in 2024.
Background of the case
In 2015, Peyton’s son suffered abuse at the hands of Fr. Michael Guidry, a priest who later pleaded guilty and served a prison sentence. Dissatisfied with how the diocese handled the tragedy, Peyton and his family withdrew from the Catholic Church in late 2023 and joined an Anglican congregation. Bishop Deshotel declared Peyton’s departure an act of schism, triggering the automatic excommunication prescribed by canon law.
Vatican’s ruling
Peyton appealed to the Holy See, seeking reversal of the penalty. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith acknowledged the “tragic” nature of his family’s ordeal but maintained that formally joining another church constitutes a breach of communion with Rome. The ruling reiterates that schism—defined as the willful separation from the Catholic Church—carries the penalty of excommunication.
Reaction from the deacon
In a statement, Peyton expressed his disappointment, saying, “Finding a faith community where my family can worship without reliving the trauma endured is a greater scandal to the Diocese of Lafayette than the sexual abuse of a child.” He added that his canon lawyer plans to continue pursuing legal avenues to challenge the Vatican’s decision.
Implications for the local Catholic community
The case has sparked conversation among Lafayette Catholics about how the Church addresses abuse survivors and their families. While some parishioners emphasize the need for accountability and compassion, others reaffirm the importance of adhering to canonical norms. The Diocese of Lafayette has not issued a detailed response beyond the initial excommunication notice.
Broader context
Schism cases are relatively rare but highlight the tension between individual conscience and institutional doctrine. The Vatican’s consistent application of canon law aims to preserve the unity of the global Catholic Church, even as local dioceses grapple with the fallout of abuse scandals.
What’s next?
Peyton’s legal team will explore further appeals, though the Vatican’s decision is generally considered final unless new canonical arguments are presented. Meanwhile, the Lafayette Catholic community continues to navigate the delicate balance between supporting abuse victims and upholding church discipline.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
