Archbishop of Pretoria Issues Canonical Decree Following "Sacrilegious" Protests
Archbishop Dabula Anthony Mpako has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against a group of parishioners in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, South Africa, following a series of public demonstrations and disruptions during Holy Mass. The decree, issued on 11 January 2026, warns that those involved face severe spiritual penalties—including excommunication—if they do not undergo a formal "Corrective and Rehabilitative Process."
Escalating Defiance and "Sacrilege"
The conflict stems from events on 7 December 2025, when approximately 42 parishioners staged a protest at the Cathedral Church. According to the Archbishop’s decree, the group:
Disrupted the Liturgy: Engaged in coordinated protest actions during Mass, which the Archdiocese has labeled a "sacrilegious" violation of the Eucharist.
Spread Defamation: Publicly denounced the Bishop’s pastoral decisions using "false and defamatory" claims.
Fuelled Online Scandal: Shared videos and photos of the protests on social media to incite wider hostility against Church leadership.
Despite warnings, the group allegedly continued their "contumacy" (stubborn disobedience) by organizing a second protest on 28 December 2025 and circulating digital petitions based on false assertions.
Potential Canonical Penalties
The Archbishop’s assessment concludes that these actions constitute "public delicts" (crimes) under Canon Law. If the offenders refuse to submit to the Church's corrective process, they face a hierarchy of sanctions:
| Penalty | Consequence |
| Interdict | Prohibition from receiving the Sacraments and Sacramentals. |
| Suspension | Removal from any ecclesiastical offices or functions. |
| Excommunication | The most severe penalty, reserved for those persisting in "schismatic behavior" and revolt against the Bishop. |
The Path to Reconciliation
Archbishop Mpako emphasized that the primary goal of the decree is "conversion, reconciliation, and pastoral restoration" rather than mere punishment. To avoid the aforementioned penalties, the involved individuals must:
Publicly Retract: Issue a formal apology and retract all false accusations.
Remove Content: Delete all scandalous posts, videos, and photos from social media platforms.
Undergo Formation: Complete mandatory catechesis focused on ecclesial obedience and the authority of the Bishop.
Perform Penance: Engage in spiritual acts of prayer and penance intended to restore the unity of the faithful.
The Archbishop concluded the decree with a firm warning: refusal to participate in these steps will leave the Ordinary with no choice but to proceed with the full imposition of canonical penalties.
Sources: https://catholic-trends.com/2026/01/13/archbishop-of-pretoria-imposes-disciplinary-measures-on-faithful-over-acts-of-scandal-ecclesial-disobedience/
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