[pbear8]

I’m not sure, but there are other acts that incur automatic excommunication as well (such as participation in an abortion). There is a process by which people must be “re-instated”, so to speak.

My understanding is that the sin of abortion is reserved to the local Bishop, if a priest hears it in confession he will ask the woman to return after he has gotten leave from the bishop to absolve. The procedure varies by diocese.

[kearnyirish2]

“My understanding is that the sin of abortion is reserved to the local Bishop, if a priest hears it in confession he will ask the woman to return after he has gotten leave from the bishop to absolve. The procedure varies by diocese.”

I don’t know the process, but the person involved with the abortion is excommunicated at the time of the killing; no Church authority needs to make it happen.