Thursday, July 17, 2008
Who decides on ban from Eucharist
INDIVIDUALS who “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin” can be denied communion, under Canon Law 915 of the Roman Catholic Church.
In dealing with “public sinners,” the Catholic Church leaves it to the conscience of the person to decide whether he or she is worthy to receive com-munion. The church, however, cannot fail to “feel directly involved.”
Pope John Paul II reaffirmed that in order to receive communion, one must have confessed.
However, should the “public sinner” insist on receiving communion, the church can deny him or her “in cases of outward conduct that is seriously, clearly and steadfastly contrary to the norm.”
While the priest may give communion to those who have “examined their conscience,” the responsibility of denying the sacrament lies with the bishop.
According to a statement by US bishops in a meeting in June 2004, “bishops can legitimately make different judgments” on what action to take.
In cases where the “public sinner” will be denied communion, the individual will first be asked to “not come forward to receive it.”
Under Canon Law, receiving communion “unworthily” is a sin against Christ Himself. That doctrine stems from 1 Corin-thians 11:27-29.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 17, 2008 issue)
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