and have attracted between 500 and 700 people; they are currently held in Chandler, Arizona. According to the Center's website, the Center strives "to bring together people of all traditions who are willing to follow the person of Jesus Christ and form a non-judgmental community of faith." In addition, "there are no doctrinal guidelines or mandated acceptance of proscribed theology required for membership." On January 4, 2008, the Arizona Republic reported that the Diocese of Phoenix had urged Catholics not to attend Fushek's services. Excommunication On December 15, 2008, the Bishop of Phoenix, Thomas J. Olmsted, issued a decree of excommunication against Fushek and Dippre. A statement issued by the Diocese of Phoenix said that Fushek and Dippre incurred the censure of excommunication because they chose to be in schism with the Catholic Church by establishing and leading an opposing ecclesial community known to the public as the Praise and Worship Center. Both priests consistently refused to comply with explicit directions by Bishop Olmsted to discontinue engaging in public ministry. The Diocese indicated that the excommunications were incurred after repeated offers of reconciliation were ignored. The decree of excommunication by Bishop Olmsted declares that Fushek and Dippre have brought the censure upon themselves. As excommunicated priests, Fushek and Dippre cannot participate in the celebration of the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist or in any other ceremonies of worship. They are also prohibited from celebrating or receiving any of the sacraments. In addition, they forfeit the benefits of dignity, office, or any function that they had previously acquired in the Catholic Church. Shortly after the announcement, Life Teen president Randy Raus stated, "We're praying for him, but we stand behind Bishop Olmsted and the diocese in this decision." Autobiography In March 2011, Fushek released his autobiography, The Unexpected Life: An Autobiography of a Very Human Priest. See also Roman Catholic sex abuse cases References External links The Praise and Worship Center Official Life Teen Website. Mann, Benjamin. "Ex-priest's ego caused break with Church, says former supporter", Catholic News Agency, April 2, 2011 Griffiths, Lawn. "Former colleague declines to endorse Fushek", East Valley Tribune, November 26, 2007 American Roman Catholic priests Laicized Roman Catholic priests University of Notre Dame alumni People excommunicated by the Catholic Church Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals in the United States 1952 births Living people