Sins that lead to laicization/release from the clerical state of a priest

  • Thread starter Thread starter Polak
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
He should still be able to baptize. You or I could baptize in an emergency, I’m sure Mr Laicized Priest could as well, in an emergency.
 
Last edited:
yea I do too… even with the preview window open. I also end up editing after I post.

okay back on topic… sorry. 😉
Tis_Bearself said:
… Mr Laicized Priest could as well, in an emergency.
Click to expand...
So what exactly is the punishment of a laicized priest? He can only perform his duties in an emergency? Like the car crash or when someone is dying?

But if it wasn’t an emergency situation.

I’m thinking if he performs a marriage its not valid, but other then a marriage, does what he do become invalid?
 
Last edited:
Polak said:
I was wondering if there were certain sins that will cause a priest to be defrocked (without room for debate), if he is found to have committed any of them?
Click to expand...
It isn’t a matter of committing a sin. It is a matter of committing a crime that has, as a penalty, the dismissal from the clerical state.
Polak said:
Or is it simply down to the Catholic hierarchy to decide in each specific case?
Click to expand...
It is certainly the hierarchy who decides which crimes must be or can be punished by dismissal from the clerical state (this is done by “the Vatican”). It is also the hierarchy who makes a judgment about guilt and imposition of particular punishments. This is done on a case-by-case basis but the law certainly applies equally to all.

Dan
 
Appreciate the reply.

Is there a place where one can look up the crimes that constitute dismissal from the clerical state as a penalty?
 
Polak said:
Is there a place where one can look up the crimes that constitute dismissal from the clerical state as a penalty?
Click to expand...
Yes, book 6 of the Code of Canon Law. In particular, canons 1364-1399.

Dan
 
A priest can request laicization. It is not just a penalty for some “sins.” A dispensation from celibacy would more likely come when a priest requests laicization than when it is imposed as a penalty.

In the case of removal from the clerical state, priests have a full range of protections to keep it from being applied unjustly. Cardinal Wuerl, before he was a cardinal, spent years trying to get a notorious pedophile priest laicized. That struggle made it harder for him to discipline other priests until the USCCB adopted explicit guidelines for the protection of children.
 
I have not looked at it yet but if it is, I suppose that’s purposely done so they can take each case individually and judge it whether it fits into one of the broadly worded laws.
 
Tis_Bearself said:
I would note that most of those are pretty broadly worded, such as “gravely injures good morals” which could encompass a great multitude of bad acts.
Click to expand...
Yes, unless we want church law to be 10 feet thick, to make a law for every possible misdeed a person can commit is just not going to happen. So, there are a few broadly worded/catch-all type canons in there. At the same time, these canons have to be interpreted/applied strictly. So, the practical usefulness of these kinds of norms is not extremely great.

Unless the canon mentions dismissal from the clerical state, by the way, the crime would not be punished with that severe penalty (this is an example of strict interpretation/application).

Dan
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top