The standard set out by the Bible that Jesus allowed Himself to be judged by is the Law, not the church. When your church violates the Law, what course to you have to affect change? What exactly can Catholic laity do to affect the excommunication of a member of the clergy?
1Pe 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 1Pe 5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 1Pe 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 1Pe 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Peter recognized that he was a "fellow elder" and that Christ is the Chief Elder.
Now, consider the verses below and tell me how they can be reconciled with the nature of the Catholic Church:
1Th 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 1Th 5:22 abstain from every form of evil.
Rom 14:5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.
Phi 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
Yes, we have to follow our conscience regarding the moral law. But the laity have no authority with respect to ecclesial or canon law.
When your church violates the Law, what course to you have to affect change?
Are you referring to moral law or ecclesial law?
What exactly can Catholic laity do to affect the excommunication of a member of the clergy?
Pray for the excommunicated person and attempt to persuade them to seek reconciliation with the Church.
-A8
Well said.