Anathema QUESTION from Robert Grey on November 5, 2001 What is the difference between an excomunication and an anathema? Anathemas still exist? The anathemas cast by Ecumenical Councils, such as the Council of Trent and Vatican I are still binding?
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on February 8, 2002 Dear Mr. Grey:
Anathema means to condemn and later was associated with excommunication.
Usually anathemas are given for issues of heresy. Thus issues that do not qualify for heresy, that is they are not dogmas, cannot properly receive an anathema.
Some people not in communion with Rome try to suggest that the Pauline Mass (our current mass) is invalid and only the Tridentine Mass can be said on pain of anathema. But this is false. The Roman Missal, regardless of when promulgated is NOT eligible for dogma status and not eligible for infallibility status. Thus the liturgy can be changed whenever the Church desires.
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