This objection, as referred to in the third Dubia of the four Cardinals, is that under Canon 915 the D&R “obstinately persist in manifest grave sin” and “are not to be admitted to holy Communion”. 3.1 Doctrinal Background of the Objection The impediment to the D&R receiving Holy Communion under Canon 915 is also expressed … Continue reading 3.0 Public Scandal

This objection is that, as FC 84 bases its exclusion of the D&R from Holy Communion upon Sacred Scripture, the exclusion is of itself an unchangeable doctrinal proposition. 4.1 Doctrinal Background of the Objection FC 84 does not indicate the Sacred Scripture to which it is referring, but merely states: “[T]he Church reaffirms her practice, … Continue reading 4.0 Sacred Scripture

This objection is that FC 84 provides an additional and purportedly doctrinal reason for the exclusion of the D&R from Holy Communion beyond mortal sin (refer 1.0 Mortal Sin) and public scandal (refer 3.0 Public Scandal), being that the D&R objectively contradict the Eucharist. 5.1 Doctrinal Background of the Objection FC 84 states: “They are … Continue reading 5.0 Objective Contradiction

This objection is that, as the exclusion of the D&R from Holy Communion has been the constant and unchanging practice of the Church, the exclusion is of itself an unchangeable doctrinal proposition. 6.1 Doctrinal Background of the Objection Pope St John Paul II, in confirming the reservation of priestly ordination to men alone was of … Continue reading 6.0 Unchanging Practice

This objection is that, as the principles contained in AL would equally apply to access to the Sacraments by people who commit other objectively grave sins (i.e. same-sex relations, abortion, suicide / euthanasia, artificial contraception etc), the ability of the Church to witness against these grave evils will be impaired. 7.1 The D&R the Exception, … Continue reading 7.0 Slippery Slope

This objection is that, if the D&R not living in complete continence can receive Holy Communion, the dogma of the indissolubility of marriage is effectively denied. 8.1 Doctrinal Background of the Objection Canon 7 of the 24th Session of the Council of Trent declares, based on Sacred Scripture (Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12 etc), that: “If … Continue reading 8.0 Indissolubility

This Apologia seeks to demonstrate, with reference to the most prominent objections which have been raised against AL, that it neither contradicts nor even develops the doctrine of the Church. Rather it shows that while AL changes Church teaching, in the sense of its disciplines, these changes are of a purely pastoral nature which are … Continue reading 9.0 Abstract and Conclusion