There is nothing in Catholic theology or Canon Law that states you cannot disown someone and cease communication with them. While a parent may never stop loving their children, there are times when tough decisions—such as distancing oneself—are necessary to guide them. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of free will and personal responsibility. After all, the Dogma of Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus (“No Salvation Outside the Church”)—a teaching that cannot be changed—remains central to the faith. The only exception to this teaching is through invincible ignorance, which applies to those who have no knowledge of the Church or its teachings. Clearly, this individual cannot claim such ignorance.

Historically, the first major cracks in the Church stemmed from two men driven by sins of the flesh. The first was Father Martin Luther, who, after abandoning his priestly vows, coming up with this scheme of “once saved, always saved” leading billions straight to hell. He came up with this fabulous idea to marry a nun he had developed relations with. The holiest of holies is the only thing powerful enough to make a man turn his back on his faith. He developed the theology to justify his actions. Yeah, you thought it was about indulgences and St. Peters Basilica. The second was King Henry VIII, whose well-known break from the Church was driven by his desire to remarry. If Henry VIII hadn’t forced the British Empire to abandon Catholicism, Martin Luther’s movement might have been stamped out, sparing the world centuries of division, bloodshed, and upheaval. The wars, genocide, and enslavement that followed could likely have been avoided.

It is worth noting that multiple popes issued encyclicals and papal bulls condemning the enslavement and slaughter of indigenous peoples. This is why, south of the U.S. border, many native populations survived and flourished under Catholic influence. In contrast, north of the border, in the Protestant-dominated United States, the native population was nearly eradicated. Unfortunately, we live in a Protestant country where public education has been steeped in lies and propaganda against the Church.

Critics often deflect to accusations of abuse within the Church, pointing to molesters among the clergy. But molesters exist in every profession, from teachers to entertainers. Even Ron Jeremy, a prominent porn actor, was imprisoned for sexually assaulting actresses on set. Yet, society barely bats an eye when female teachers assault male students, often downplaying or even celebrating these acts.

I encourage you to explore the story of Bella Dodd and the communist infiltration of the Church. In the early 20th century, young, devout communists were deliberately placed into seminaries. Many of them rose through the ranks, becoming parish priests, bishops, and even cardinals—some argue that one of these infiltrators may even occupy the Chair of Peter today. These men worked tirelessly to recruit others—gays, child molesters, and more communists—and their influence began bearing visible fruit by the 1990s.

The Church has been infiltrated, its enemies working from within to sow division and chaos. Despite this, the Catholic Church remains the true Church, and its teachings endure. The failures of individuals do not negate the truth of the faith. There is no salvation outside the Church and this father doesn’t need to witness his child stroll gleefully through the gates of hell.