Is Mel Gibson Catholic?

Some have insisted that Mel Gibson is Catholic. Others say he is not. Here's some evidence that suggests that his affiliation with the Catholic Church is at best, schismatic...

Mel Gibson is quoted by an Australian newspaper as saying: "I agree with everyone who says the Vatican is a wolf in sheep's clothing." ("Mel Gibson's only daughter opts to be a nun," Sydney Morning Herald, 15 Sep 2002).

Furthermore, as reported by the Associated Press: "Gibson is building a traditionalist church on a 9,300-square-foot complex in Malibu, Calif., for about 70 members, the Times said. He is serving as the director, chief executive officer and sole benefactor of the church, which intends to conduct its Sunday Mass entirely in Latin. The property was purchased by a church group called Holy Family." (Associated Press, 9 Mar 2003, "Report: Mel Gibson is building church for his Catholic Movement", The Mercury News)

CBS News reports "Actor Mel Gibson is the person behind a 9,300-square-foot, Mission-style Catholic church complex in Malibu, Calif., that is not affiliated with any diocese." ("Mel Gibson gets religion", CBS News.org, 10 Mar 2003)

Cardinal Roger Mahony from the Diocese of Los Angeles stated regarding Gibson's Church: "I know nothing about the Church in Malibu. It is certainly not in communion with the Universal Catholic Church nor the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. I have never met Mr. Gibson, and he does not participate in any parish of this Archdiocese. He, apparently, has chosen to live apart from the communion of the Catholic Church. I pray for him." (http://www.nfcym.org/v3/resources/passion_mahony.html Feb 20, 2004).