For some time now the Diocese of Aberdeen has been pursuing a canonical process against the Rector Major of the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, Fr. Michael Mary Sim. This religious community is principally based on the island of Papa Stronsay, Orkney, within the Diocese of Aberdeen and is subject to the oversight of the Bishop. The action of the Diocese was occasioned by various statements issuing from the community and especially by its adoption, spear-headed by Fr Michael Mary, of the position known as “sedevacantist”. This position affirms that our Holy Father Leo XIV is not a true Pope, and that neither he nor the bishops in communion with him are to be recognised. At the same time, statements were made and actions taken calling into doubt the validity of ordinations in the post-conciliar rites. Further affirmations posed an opposition between an “old” and “new” Church. All of this is instinctively repugnant to the Catholic sense of the faith, exposes those involved to ecclesiastical penalties and, unless repudiated, separates them from the communion of the Catholic Church.
On its side, the Diocese has now completed its canonical process and pronounced its judgment. Regrettably, I find Fr Michael Mary guilty of the charges brought against him, most notably that of schism. He is therefore declared to be excommunicated, dismissed from ecclesiastical office, and prohibited from the celebration of Mass or the other sacraments. In accordance with the relevant canonical norms, the competent Dicasteries of the Roman Curia have been kept informed of the steps taken by the Diocese. In the event of a sincere change of heart on his part and the making of reparation, these penalties may be lifted.
More recently, Fr Michael Mary has sought ordination from sedevacantist bishops, who have no permission from myself to act within the diocese and do not have the required papal mandate. The ceremony they conducted on 25th July compounds the situation and exposes Fr Michael Mary and those who take part to a further range of canonical penalties. This is a clear break with the Church.
By means of these events, the Congregation and its now deposed Superior have removed themselves from the communion of the Catholic Church, and the faithful of the Diocese should have no dealings with them. On her part the Church urgently invites those involved to repent and to return to that union which they once enjoyed. The Church, who is the Mother of us all, will welcome them warmly.
+Hugh Gilbert OSB
Bishop of Aberdeen
