Noted theologian says Church could allow Communion for divorced/remarried without changing doctrine
May 28, 2015
In an interview published in the authoritative Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica, an influential Dominican theologian has argued that the Church could admit divorced and remarried Catholics to Communion in some cases without any change in doctrinal teaching.
Father Jean-Miguel Garrigues-- who worked closely with Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in the preparation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church-- gave two examples of cases in which admission to Communion could be considered. He cited first a couple that had been unable to obtain an annulment because of lack of evidence, but felt certain that the first union had been invalid. The second case involved a couple that converted after a 2nd marriage. In such cases, the Dominican theologian suggested, the Church could allow for the reception of Communion without endangering the principle that marriage is indissoluble.
Father Garrigues also spoke favorably about the concept of “gradualness” as a pastoral approach, allowing for someone to practice the faith while struggling to overcome a problematic situation. He said that “gradualness” is routinely applied by confessors, and the alternative is a false goal of creating a “Church for the pure.”
The French theologian made these comments in an interview with Father Antonio Spadaro, the editor of Civilta Cattolica. The journal is read carefully in Rome as an indication of thinking at the Vatican, since its contents are reviewed in advance by the Secretariat of State.
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Further information:
- Theologian to La Civiltà Cattolica: “Yes” to exceptions for divorce and remarriage (Vatican Insider)
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Posted by: Barry Gee -
May. 30, 2015 2:43 AM ET USA
Church teaching is not 'good policy', it's not any sort of policy, good or bad. Christ made it abundantly clear on many occasions that exceptions or minorities must be welcomed, not excluded. To be made feel unwelcome in his own house by some sort of 'policy' is contrary to this.
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Posted by: timothy.op -
May. 29, 2015 5:16 PM ET USA
It is generally understood that good policy cannot be formed on the basis of exceptions. It is crucial to remember this.
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Posted by: feedback -
May. 29, 2015 8:57 AM ET USA
These kinds of speculations only muddy the waters and add to confusion. At the same time they bring more pressure on the upcoming Synod to present very unambiguous teachings of the Church on Marriage, homosexual activities and worthy receiving of the Holy Communion. Fortunately, the Holy Father keeps speaking lately on the permanence and the sanctity of marriage.
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Posted by: Barry Gee -
May. 28, 2015 7:29 PM ET USA
With reference to the paragraph mentioning 'gradualness': It seems to be a common practice now for almost the entire congregation at Mass to go to either receive Communion or receive a blessing with their arms crossed. Those who feel unworthy to receive Communion and worry that the priest may refuse a blessing, as some do, are left conspicuously alone in the congregation as seemingly unwelcome in a 'Church for the pure'. Recognition of this situation is long overdue.
