The one-sided argument on Canon 915
October 25, 2012
Writing in First Things, canon lawyer Edward Peters explains the legal argument in favor of denying Communion to pro-abortion politicians, under the provisions of Canon 915.
Crucial to a proper understanding of canon 915 is, first, the fact that it binds the ministers who admit persons to sacraments, not the recipients who approach the sacraments. Second, it both authorizes and requires Communion to be withheld from the faithful who approach under certain conditions…
Peters notes that while he and Cardinal Raymond Burke have offered detailed canonical arguments for the enforcement of Canon 915, those who disagree have generally offered only short public statements to explain their reluctance to carry out what the law appears to demand. “Mostly, it seems, the opposition reflects an institutional reluctance to enforce ecclesiastical discipline when the public outcry might be loud.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
