Church Welcomes Back Woman Who Attempted Ordination

Norma Jean Coon, formerly a member of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests organization, posted a message Feb. 8 on the Internet to renounce her "ordination."

An update to that message now affirms that the "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has lifted any canonical sanctions that I incurred by attempting ordination as a deacon. A letter from Bishop Robert Brom [of San Diego] states that I may now return to the full practice of our Catholic faith."

Coon, who has been married for 47 years and is the mother of five, participated in a ceremony in Santa Barbara attempting her ordination July 22, 2007.

Roman Catholic Womenpriests was established in Europe and began claiming to ordain women in the United States in 2006. The summer of Coon's ceremony, there were similar events in Portland, New York, Minneapolis and Toronto. Today, the group claims around eight bishops worldwide, and more than 80 priests and deacons.

Coon's statement says she has been "very touched at the remarkable support" and affirmed her gratitude for "all those who have prayed for me and for my family."