Friday, March 26, 2010

Canonist Ed Peters: One canon 915 case at a time: Nancy Pelosi

Ed Peters, J.D, J.C.D, in his great blog, In Light of the Law, offers some thoughts about the application of Canon 915 with regards to those who "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin". 

One canon 915 case at a time: Nancy Pelosi
Some who believe that Canon 915 is meant to be enforced might yet harbor reservations about actually barring from Communion this pro-abortion Catholic politician or that one, for fear of igniting endless debates about why one does not also bar that pro-abortion Catholic politician or this one. The prospect of being criticized for "imperfectly" applying the law might cause some prelates otherwise inclined to invoke the law to hesitate doing so.

I understand their concern, and have argued elsewhere that enforcement of Canon 915 is not as simple as some seem to believe. But, lest the perfect become the enemy of the good, I am convinced that one has to start what one might call the 'national application'* of Canon 915 somewhere, and that the best case to start with is that of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Continue reading the rest of his insightful post, including the footnotes (and a link to a French version): One canon 915 case at a time: Nancy Pelosi
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!