It was reported today by Kath.net that the Vatican has denied an appeal of the excommunication order given by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln Neberaska in March of 1996 to all Catholics in the Diocese of Lincoln who are members of various groups which contradict Catholic doctrine. These groups include Planned Parenthood, Call to Action, Society of Saint Pius X, Freemasons, and several other organizations; a total of 12 organizations in all. The appeal made by members of these organizations was denied by the Vatican without comment; allowing the excommunication sentence to stay in effect in the Diocese of Lincoln.
Bishop Bruskewitz had issued the decree as part of a 1996 Synod of the Diocese of Lincoln which specifically prohibited membership in these organizations.
For more information:
http://www.kath.net/detail.php?id=9903 (Catholic report in German)
http://www.yankton.net/stories/030505/news_20050305034.shtml (Secular article in English)
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ISSUES/BRUSKEWI.TXT (A 1996 Interview with Bishop Bruskewitz)
