In Catholic theology, does excommunication mean a loss of salvation?

Answer 1

Excommunication is a form of admonishment. Some sins are so grave that, when unrepented, warrants excommunication from the Church. During this time in "exile", hopefully the sinner will come to realize the error of their sin(s) and eventually go back to the Church by seeking forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Think of it this way: Have you ever been, or ever seen, a student who was disciplined by being tossed out of the classroom? The whole time the student is out there, they contemplate what they did and why it warrants such a severe disciplinary measure. Eventually, the teacher will allow the student back into the classroom - but not before they demonstrate having learned the lesson they were supposed to have learned.

The point is; excommunication is meant to help one along as they journey down the road to salvation.

Answer 2

No.

Excommunication does not mean a loss of salvation. However, the crime committed that was penalized by excommunication might be a mortal sin, which, if not forgiven by God would be a loss of salvation.

Excommunication is a severe penalty resulting from grave crimes against the Catholic religion.

It is imposed by church authority or incurred as a direct result of the commission of an offense.

Excommunication excludes the offender from taking part in the Eucharist or other sacraments and from the exercise of any ecclesiastical office, ministry, or function.

There are a few offenses for which Latin Rite Roman Catholics are automatically excommunicated (the Latin term is Latæ Sententiæ):
+ Apostasy - the formal renunciation of one's religion, especially if the motive is deemed unworthy
+ Heresy
+ Desecration of the Eucharist
+ Physical force against the Pope
+ Attempted sacramental absolution of a partner in adultery
+ Ordination of a bishop without a Papal mandate (e.g. all bishops in the government-run Chinese Patriotic Church)
+ For non-electors present in the conclave, revelation of the details of the conclave
+ Simoniacal provision of the Papal office
+ Violation of the sacramental seal of confession by a priest or bishop
+ Procurement of a completed abortion

Remember the purpose of excommunication is the correction and redemption of the person who has chosen to separate himself or herself from the Church.

For more information, see: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Excommunication in the Roman Catholic Church is a rare thing. To be excommunicated means a person is void of faith in God (not the Church) and thereby denys salvation. We Catholics are allowed our opinions and we express them. We are sinners and therefore sin. We make poor choices at times but remain members in faith. We, the layman, (meaning regular people) don't take vows of obediency. I once had a priest say to me, "If the Church excommunicated everyone who has done the things you have done, the pews would be empty."

Answer 4

No. It only means you're not allowed back into the church. You can't receive confession or communion.

Just because the church has given up on you does not mean that God will not forgive your sins. Accepting Jesus as your savior is salvation.

Answer 5

No, it simply means that you are no longer in full communion with the Church - you are, however, still bound to obey the Church, attend mass, go to confession, etc. however you are forbidden from taking the Eucharist.

Answer 6

Not necessarily.

It all depends on what happens afterwards.

Answer 7

yes.

because in catholicism, obedience to the church is one of the criteria for salvation.

(but i thought Jesus is the author of salvation. when did it become THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?)