A former Roman Catholic deacon from Louisiana, who was excommunicated after publicly criticizing his diocese's handling of a priest who molested his son, is still awaiting the outcome of his appeal to Vatican authorities. The case centers on Deacon Scott Peyton, who resigned from his ministry in the Diocese of Lake Charles after a priest, Rev. Michael Guidry, pleaded guilty in 2019 to molesting Peyton's teenage son.
Following his public advocacy for church reform and criticism of Bishop Glen John Provost, Peyton was formally excommunicated by the Diocese of Lake Charles in late 2023. Church authorities stated the penalty was for "obstinate persistence in manifest grave sin" related to his public stance. Peyton subsequently appealed the excommunication to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
As of March 2026, Peyton and his canonical advisor confirm that no formal decision on his appeal has been communicated by Vatican officials. The delay highlights ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding transparency and accountability in clergy sexual abuse cases and the treatment of whistleblowers.
The priest at the center of the abuse, Michael Guidry, was sentenced to ten years in prison, with seven years suspended, after pleading guilty to molestation. The Diocese of Lake Charles has stated it followed canonical procedures in the excommunication process.
