Validity of SSPX confessions in an area where there are no other priests.

[floresco]

“In practice”? Can you provide any documents that support this?

It is my understanding that “danger of death” is not to be interpreted broadly.

Just because a person lives in a place where there is no priest can not be interpreted in any way as “danger of death”. Africa is a pretty big place and not knowing the exact area and circumstances we can not know if such is true.

Edward Peters, a canon lawyer with a website on the topic writes:

The phrase “in danger of death” is not defined in canon law, but, clearly, extreme interpretations should be avoided. It is not necessary to be at death’s door before being considered in danger of death.

We do not know the person’s situation. He, however, knows his own situation. If he thinks that he is in danger of death, then, for purposes of canon law, that counts.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Edward Peters, a canon lawyer with a website on the topic writes:

We do not know the person’s situation. He, however, knows his own situation. If he thinks that he is in danger of death, then, for purposes of canon law, that counts.

I see what this canon lawyer is saying and I understand what you are saying but I would not trust my immortal soul to advice from this forum nor on the opinion of a canon lawyer.

A canon lawyer is not the arbitrator of canon law just as a criminal lawyer is not the arbitrator of criminal law. They do have opinions but that does not make their opinions fact.

Again, the bishop and the local pastor (which would be the priest at the closest parish) are the ones to be giving this advice.

I just do not see the logic in saying that I feel in “danger of death” because I have chosen to work and live in an area where there is no Catholic priest available.

 

[floresco]

I see what this canon lawyer is saying and I understand what you are saying but I would not trust my immortal soul to advice from this forum nor on the opinion of a canon lawyer.

A canon lawyer is not the arbitrator of canon law just as a criminal lawyer is not the arbitrator of criminal law. They do have opinions but that does not make their opinions fact.

Again, the bishop and the local pastor (which would be the priest at the closest parish) are the ones to be giving this advice.

I just do not see the logic in saying that I feel in “danger of death” because I have chosen to work and live in an area where there is no Catholic priest available.

This person has made attempts to contact the appropriate authorities and they have not answered him. Therefore he is turning to other sources of information. I agree that it is far from ideal.

I am not saying that he is in danger of death because there is no priest available. I am saying that it sounds like he is in a remote and possibly dangerous area. He can assess the danger. If he believes he is in danger of death, he can confess to any validly ordained priest.

 

[Thomas_Casey]

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