Former deacon excommunicated after challenging priest's sexual abuse. A Louisiana diocese excommunicated Scott Peyton, a former deacon, after he confronted a priest's sexual abuse of his son. The family had been in a yearslong battle with the Diocese of Lafayette over a state law that allowed childhood sexual abuse victims to file lawsuits. The priest, Father Michael Guidry, was convicted and sentenced to prison for the assault. The family subsequently won a settlement against him and the diocese. Despite the bishop's response, the Peytons have left the Catholic Church and joined an Anglican church. The excommunication has raised concerns about discouraging abuse survivors from speaking out.