[Rytwyng]

I don't see that as a negative, but rather that it opens the possibility that they may someday return to the Church.

That's true. The downside is that, while they bear a Christian label, and sin boldly, "the name of God is blasphemed among the heathen" because of them.

[trisham]

The downside is that, while they bear a Christian label, and sin boldly, "the name of God is blasphemed among the heathen" because of them.

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I would see it more from the perspective that they are a bad influence on others, and Catholics in particular. As Catholics, it is our responsibility to not lead others astray by our bad example.