References in Official, Infalliable Church Documents on Abortion

[pumpkinbeast]

A friend of mine is interested in finding official, infalliable church documents that condemn abortion at all stages on pregnancy. The document(s) MUST meet the requirments of infalliability. Could someone help me with this?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Vincent]

Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae 62:

Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his Successors, in communion with the Bishops—who on various occasions have condemned abortion and who in the aforementioned consultation, albeit dispersed throughout the world, have shown unanimous agreement concerning this doctrine—I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. This doctrine is based upon the natural law and upon the written Word of God, is transmitted by the Church’s Tradition and taught by the ordinary and universal Magisterium.

 

[pumpkinbeast]

Super, thank you very much!

 

[Daniel_Kane]

I understand that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is an infallible document in that it was issued by the Holy Father and has the universal approval of all of the bishops of the world. It falls under ordinary infallibility of the magisterial teachings of the bishops united under one shepherd.

I do not think that EV is technically considered infallible even though the language of infallibility of Vatican I is used in many places, as is aptly quoted by Vincent. I do not claim that there is any error in EV, quite the contrary, but I do not think that it is an infallible document in the highly technical canonical and theological sense. I personally consider it error free and an authoritative document, but I think the OP was looking for something that is technically infallible.

Church Councils are infallible and to that end, I offer this from Vatican II (Gaudium et Spes, 27)
27. Coming down to practical and particularly urgent consequences, this council lays stress on reverence for man; everyone must consider his every neighbor without exception as another self, taking into account first of all his life and the means necessary to living it with dignity, so as not to imitate the rich man who had no concern for the poor man Lazarus.
In our times a special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of every person without exception, and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked down upon, a refugee, a child born of an unlawful union and wrongly suffering for a sin he did not commit, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of the Lord, “As long as you did it for one of these the least of my brethren, you did it for me” (Matt. 25:40).
Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia or willful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than as free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed. They poison human society, but they do more harm to those who practice them than those who suffer from the injury. Moreover, they are a supreme dishonor to the Creator.

 

[josea]

Lately I am having difficulties with this infallibility problem. For many it is no clear what document is infallible and what is not and that is why there is so much discussion about it. My question is:
Why does not the Church tells clearly which document is infallible and which is not?

 

[pumpkinbeast]

From what I know, the stipulations are:

1. The Pope must be speaking in his public and official capacity as Supreme Pontiff of the Church
2. He must be speaking on faith or morals
3. There can be no doubt about what has been stated
4. He must bind the whole Church in acceptance of the teaching
   This is according to Following Christ in the World by Anne Carroll. I think both the submissions above filled these stipulations.

 

[thistle]

Lately I am having difficulties with this infallibility problem. For many it is no clear what document is infallible and what is not and that is why there is so much discussion about it. My question is:
Why does not the Church tells clearly which document is infallible and which is not?

The infallible teachings of the Church are in the Catechism of the Catholic Church so nobody has to scramble around trying to find all the individual documents.

 

[josea]

The infallible teachings of the Church are in the Catechism of the Catholic Church so nobody has to scramble around trying to find all the individual documents.

Reference to this, please ?

 

[thistle]

Reference to this, please ?

I thought you might have read the CCC. Anyway below is an extract from one of the introductory letters signed by John Paul II. You can of course read the letters in their entirety in the CCC.

The Doctrinal Value of the Text

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I approved 25 June last and the publication of which I today order by virtue of my Apostolic Authority, is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine, attested to or illumined by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium. I declare it to be a sure norm for teaching the faith and thus a valid and legitimate instrument for ecclesial communion. May it serve the renewal to which the Holy Spirit ceaselessly calls the Church of God, the Body of Christ, on her pilgrimage to the undiminished light of the Kingdom!

The approval and publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church represent a service which the Successor of Peter wishes to offer to the Holy Catholic Church, to all the particular Churches in peace and communion with the Apostolic See: the service, that is, of supporting and confirming the faith of all the Lord Jesus’ disciples (cf. Lk 22:32 as well as of strengthening the bonds of unity in the same apostolic faith. Therefore, I ask all the Church’s Pastors and the Christian faithful to receive this catechism in a spirit of communion and to use it assiduously in fulfilling their mission of proclaiming the faith and calling people to the Gospel life. This catechism is given to them that it may be **a sure and authentic reference text for teaching catholic doctrine **and particularly for preparing local catechisms. It is also offered to all the faithful who wish to deepen their knowledge of the unfathomable riches of salvation (cf. Eph 3:8). It is meant to support ecumenical efforts that are moved by the holy desire for the unity of all Christians, showing carefully the content and wondrous harmony of the catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, lastly, is offered to every individual who asks us to give an account of the hope that is in us (cf. 1 Pt 3:15) and who wants to know what the Catholic Church believes.

This catechism is not intended to replace the local catechisms duly approved by the ecclesiastical authorities, the diocesan Bishops and the Episcopal Conferences, especially if they have been approved by the Apostolic See. It is meant to encourage and assist in the writing of new local catechisms, which take into account various situations and cultures, while carefully preserving the unity of faith and fidelity to catholic doctrine.

At the conclusion of this document presenting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I beseech the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word and Mother of the Church, to support with her powerful intercession the catechetical work of the entire Church on every level, at this time when she is called to a new effort of evangelization. May the light of the true faith free humanity from the ignorance and slavery of sin in order to lead it to the only freedom worthy of the name (cf. Jn 8:32): that of life in Jesus Christ under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, here below and in the Kingdom of heaven, in the fullness of the blessed vision of God face to face (cf. 1 Cor 13:12; 2 Cor 5:6-8)!

Given 11 October 1992, the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, in the fourteenth year of my Pontificate.

 

[josea]

Yes, I agree. But my question is. if there is so much confussion about what document is and what is not infallible, why does not the Church make simply a list, a clasification of documents and order it according to infallibity?

 

[thistle]

Yes, I agree. But my question is. if there is so much confussion about what document is and what is not infallible, why does not the Church make simply a list, a clasification of documents and order it according to infallibity?

Sorry but I’m not confused. I don’t need a list.
All I need on the teachings is there in the CCC.
I think one of the problems is that many people do not seem read the CCC. Not only are the teachings there but you will notice lots of numbering in the body of the teachings. These refer to Scripture verses, Papal Encyclicals, and Early Church Fathers’ writings so all you need to know can be found in the CCC.
If I have a question or issue on faith and morals my first stop is the CCC.

 

[josea]

Sorry but I’m not confused. I don’t need a list.
All I need on the teachings is there in the CCC.
I think one of the problems is that many people do not seem read the CCC. Not only are the teachings there but you will notice lots of numbering in the body of the teachings. These refer to Scripture verses, Papal Encyclicals, and Early Church Fathers’ writings so all you need to know can be found in the CCC.
If I have a question or issue on faith and morals my first stop is the CCC.

But, there is still a big discussion of whether or not the Humanae vitae is an infallibe document. Is it or is it not?
Why can not the Church clarify this for once?

 

[thistle]

But, there is still a big discussion of whether or not the Humanae vitae is an infallibe document. Is it or is it not?
Why can not the Church clarify this for once?

I have read it and it is basically confirming that contraception, particularly abortion is a grave sin.
As you have raised the issue then please tell us what specifically in HV is put forward as a teaching that you cannot find in the CCC.

Extracts from HV:

Therefore, having attentively sifted the documentation laid before us, after mature reflection and assiduous prayers, we now intend, by virtue of the mandate entrusted to us by Christ, to give our reply to these grave questions.

In the task of transmitting life, therefore, they are not free to proceed completely at will, as if they could determine in a wholly autonomous way the honest path to follow; but they must conform their activity to the creative intention of God, expressed in the very nature of marriage and of its acts, and manifested by the constant teaching of the Church.

1. That teaching, often set forth by the magisterium…

 

[josea]

I have read it and it is basically confirming that contraception, particularly abortion is a grave sin.
As you have raised the issue then please tell us what specifically in HV is put forward as a teaching that you cannot find in the CCC.

Extracts from HV:

Therefore, having attentively sifted the documentation laid before us, after mature reflection and assiduous prayers, we now intend, by virtue of the mandate entrusted to us by Christ, to give our reply to these grave questions.

In the task of transmitting life, therefore, they are not free to proceed completely at will, as if they could determine in a wholly autonomous way the honest path to follow; but they must conform their activity to the creative intention of God, expressed in the very nature of marriage and of its acts, and manifested by the constant teaching of the Church.

1. That teaching, often set forth by the magisterium…

Is it or isn`t an infallible document? That’s the question. I do not want to enter into further discussions. Can the authority of the Church declare whether a document is infallible or not? And if it can why is this issue always been considered again and again by theologians as not clarified yet? The only thing we need is the Pope or some congregation to declare that it is so to settle the issue once and for all.

 

[thistle]

Is it or isn`t an infallible document? That’s the question. I do not want to enter into further discussions. Can the authority of the Church declare whether a document is infallible or not? And if it can why is this issue always been considered again and again by theologians as not clarified yet? The only thing we need is the Pope or some congregation to declare that it is so to settle the issue once and for all.

Why are you so cranky and defensive?

See the CCC. Where do you see anything about documents being infallible. The Church has the authority to declare doctrines about faith and morals infallible but you are hung up on a piece of paper.

CCC 2035 The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, explained, or observed.

CCC 889 In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith handed on by the apostles, Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility. By a “supernatural sense of faith” the People of God, under the guidance of the Church’s living Magisterium, “unfailingly adheres to this faith.”

CCC 890 The mission of the Magisterium is linked to the definitive nature of the covenant established by God with his people in Christ. It is this Magisterium’s task to preserve God’s people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith without error. Thus, the pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ endowed the Church’s shepherds with the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals. The exercise of this charism takes several forms:

CCC 891 “The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful - who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. . . . The infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium,” above all in an Ecumenical Council. When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine “for belief as being divinely revealed,” and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions “must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.” This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.

CCC 2051 The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.

All teachings you are required to believe and accept as a Catholic are in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Do you not believe that?

 

[josea]

Why are you so cranky and defensive?

See the CCC. Where do you see anything about documents being infallible. The Church has the authority to declare doctrines about faith and morals infallible but you are hung up on a piece of paper.

CCC 2035 The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, explained, or observed.

CCC 889 In order to preserve the Church in the purity of the faith handed on by the apostles, Christ who is the Truth willed to confer on her a share in his own infallibility. By a “supernatural sense of faith” the People of God, under the guidance of the Church’s living Magisterium, “unfailingly adheres to this faith.”

CCC 890 The mission of the Magisterium is linked to the definitive nature of the covenant established by God with his people in Christ. It is this Magisterium’s task to preserve God’s people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith without error. Thus, the pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ endowed the Church’s shepherds with the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals. The exercise of this charism takes several forms:

CCC 891 “The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful - who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. . . . The infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium,” above all in an Ecumenical Council. When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine “for belief as being divinely revealed,” and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions “must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.” This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.

CCC 2051 The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.

All teachings you are required to believe and accept as a Catholic are in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Do you not believe that?

Do not take me wrong… I believe in the infallibility of teh Church. And I am not defensive. I want to simply… understand

The problem is that in general we know the conditions for infallibility (those clearly expressed in Vatican I) but… in particular we do not know for what exact and actual documents this infabillity is claimed. The whole thing got more complicated when a famous note from Cardinal Ratzinger on the apostolic letter “Ad tuendam fidem” made some theologians difficult to understand the meaning of “definitive doctrine”. I looked like that a definitive doctrine should be accepted as infallible but could come from the ordinary Magistery without any special definition even if it is not proclamed by all bishops.
So in theory we have a process to declare infabillity of a doctrine (vativan I) on matters of faith and moral and on the other hand it looks like when a doctrine is called “definitive” by a doctrinal document has to be considered infallible…

That is why I asked… is it to difficult for the Church to classify its documents according to infallibility?
And I think I know aslo the answer… nobody clearly know!
If it would be clear, we and thousand of theologians would not have this discussion.

 

[thistle]

Do not take me wrong… I believe in the infallibility of teh Church. And I am not defensive. I want to simply… understand

The problem is that in general we know the conditions for infallibility (those clearly expressed in Vatican I) but… in particular we do not know for what exact and actual documents this infabillity is claimed. The whole thing got more complicated when a famous note from Cardinal Ratzinger on the apostolic letter “Ad tuendam fidem” made some theologians difficult to understand the meaning of “definitive doctrine”. I looked like that a definitive doctrine should be accepted as infallible but could come from the ordinary Magistery without any special definition even if it is not proclamed by all bishops.
So in theory we have a process to declare infabillity of a doctrine (vativan I) on matters of faith and moral and on the other hand it looks like when a doctrine is called “definitive” by a doctrinal document has to be considered infallible…

That is why I asked… is it to difficult for the Church to classify its documents according to infallibility?
And I think I know aslo the answer… nobody clearly know!
If it would be clear, we and thousand of theologians would not have this discussion.

Probably I’m just being thick but what difference does it make if you have such a list or not. All the teachings are in the CCC so if you want to know what the Church teaches about a certain issue you don’t need to try to find some separate document, you simply look in the CCC.

Look at the Bible. For me that’s the best collection of documents that have ever existed but its not declared infallible. Its declared inerrant but infallible teachings are found in it.

 

[josea]

Probably I’m just being thick but what difference does it make if you have such a list or not. All the teachings are in the CCC so if you want to know what the Church teaches about a certain issue you don’t need to try to find some separate document, you simply look in the CCC.

Look at the Bible. For me that’s the best collection of documents that have ever existed but its not declared infallible. Its declared inerrant but infallible teachings are found in it.

The difference is that if somebody in the Church (a document) teaches a doctrine as “definitive” implies that it should be considered infallible, and therefore can not be subjected to any revision or change. That is what in that note for Card. Ratzinger was sugested and made some people jump from their chairs! It would be an extension of the conditions (to those explained by Vatican I) to declare a doctrine infallible!

 

[thistle]

The difference is that if somebody in the Church (a document) teaches a doctrine as “definitive” implies that it should be considered infallible, and therefore can not be subjected to any revision or change. That is what in that note for Card. Ratzinger was sugested and made some people jump from their chairs! It would be an extension of the conditions (to those explained by Vatican I) to declare a doctrine infallible!

The teaching on contraception and abortion can NEVER be changed. They are doctrines (which we must believe and accept) and not disciplines. What else do you need to know?
You have focussed on HV. Are you implying that the doctrines on contraception and abortion can be changed?

 

[josea]

The teaching on contraception and abortion can NEVER be changed. They are doctrines (which we must believe and accept) and not disciplines. What else do you need to know?
You have focussed on HV. Are you implying that the doctrines on contraception and abortion can be changed?

I just took HV as an example of document some posts ago to which there is still a lot of discussion about theologians. Do not worry I am not talking about contraception or abortion but about the classification of documents according to infallibility.