By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The Archbishop of Omaha has asked the faithful to refrain from using any materials or books distributed by the now suppressed Intercessors of the Lamb.
In an October 29 statement, Archbishop George J. Lucas advised the faithful not to use books, websites or other materials written and/or produced by Intercessors of the Lamb founder Nadine Brown. The Archbishop said this is necessary because part of the task of the official visitation of the Intercessors was to review these materials for doctrinal accuracy; however, lack of cooperation from the community’s board resulted in a cessation of the process and the review never took place.
“It is therefore not possible to state that the teachings of Nadine Brown are free of doctrinal error,” the Archbishop said. “As we move forward I am asking that former companions and all Catholics refrain from using any materials and websites associated with Nadine Brown and all other material provided by the former Intercessor community. I also ask that you cease ‘group discernments’. However, if you decide to continue to meet with your prayer group, I encourage you to offer prayers of intercession for the needs of priests, for the former Intercessors in community discernment, and for our Holy Father’s intentions.”
He also encouraged former members to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church “with special attention given to Part IV: Christian Prayer” and asked that their meetings take place under the guidance of a local bishop or pastor.
The Association of the Hermit Intercessors of the Lamb, described as a contemplative, intercessory, and mixed (lay men, women, and clerics) public association of hermits, was suppressed last month after a majority of lay directors of the Intercessors of the Lamb, Inc., the association’s civil corporation, impeded the Archbishop from exercising his legitimate governance of the association and providing pastoral solicitude for professed members.
These events were precipitated by a canonical review of the community which revealed serious problems in leadership and financial management. In addition, it was discovered that the group participated in sheltering Carolyn Casey-Keyvani, a woman wanted by the FBI in Pennsylvania on parental kidnapping charges. Casey-Keyvani and her daughter allegedly lived on the Intercessor’s property for up to two years before local suspicion caused Brown to have the two driven to California to escape the law.
As a result of the suppression, public worship and the celebration of the sacraments are prohibited on land owned by the Intercessors of the Lamb, Inc., a Nebraska corporation. Priests and deacons are forbidden from ministering at the property. Donors are advised that contributions to the Intercessors of the Lamb, Inc., will not go to support a Catholic organization. Moreover, the vows of former association members ceased at the moment of suppression. Catholics worldwide are encouraged to refrain from participating in all Intercessors-sponsored activity.
This missive supersedes a message posted on a new website by Nadine Brown last week explaining the situation and encouraging the Intercessors to continue their prayer groups.
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