Funny, this was part of our priest’s homily this morning.
The Church has an avenue for those such as these. It’s called reconciliation where those who sin are forgiven when they repent.
The Church may have been lulled by false repentance of some of them.
Anyone who has separated themselves can be in full communion again when they confess their sins and are forgiven.
The problem is that many have no idea they have separated themselves due to those beliefs and therefore do not repent nor seek forgiveness.
The sad scandal that has rocked the Church, just as similar ones have rocked protestant congregations and even education, is not the first. What God does with it will eventually make known its purpose. A stronger church with stronger more faithful priests will be a good thing.
They have to be called on their heresy, and when they are not, the leaders that failed will have much for which to account.