What does the Church consider pedophilia?

[Melek]

Here in America, states differ on what is pedophilia. Some have laws where the younger person in the relationship cannot be younger than 18. Other states have laws where the younger person cannot be younger than 16.

So is there a specific age of consent within the Church’s teachings or does the Church teach that we must observe whatever the law is in our specific location?

 

[Daniel6312]

“Pedophilia” is a term that refers to desires towards pre-pubescent children, which does not necessarily mean any person below the age of consent. But the Church teaches any sex outside the context of marriage is sinful, so whatever age the particular state/nation requires for marriage would be the appropriate age, as long as it’s between married people.

As far as I know, there’s no Church-defined “age of consent” for marriage.

 

[JohnDamian]

Pedophilia is an attraction to the prepubescent; and is not related to age.

The Church requires that people follow the Civil Law with regards to marraige; if there is no Civil Law; or the Civil Law falls below the Church-set ages; then they must follow those. The minimum age is then 16 for males; and 14 for females. Can. 1083 §1

 

[CDNowak]

As far as I know, there’s no Church-defined “age of consent” for marriage.

It does have one, actually, 14 for girls and 16 for boys, or the legal age of the country, which ever was older.

Can. 1083 §1. A man before he has completed his sixteenth year of age and a woman before she has completed her fourteenth year of age cannot enter into a valid marriage.

§2. The conference of bishops is free to establish a higher age for the licit celebration of marriage.

Canon 1072: “Pastors of souls are to take care to dissuade youth from the celebration of marriage before the age at which a person usually enters marriage according to the accepted practices of the region.”

 

[Daniel6312]

I stand corrected - thanks for enlightening me as well as the poster.

 

[Melek]

Ok, thanks for the answers however I am asking what the views are on a non-marital relationship. Since it’s ok to be in a non-marital relationship if you’re not having sex, does the Church say that a relationship of that sort is ok so long as pedophilia is not involved?

 

[TheQuestioner]

Ok, thanks for the answers however I am asking what the views are on a non-marital relationship. Since it’s ok to be in a non-marital relationship if you’re not having sex, does the Church say that a relationship of that sort is ok so long as pedophilia is not involved?

Good question. The Church says very little about dating.

 

[TheQuestioner]

Though i’m sure it would be the legal age depending on each country as well.

 

[Newbie2]

It is important to note that pedophilia, as with SSA and homosexual orientation, is in itself not sinful. Acting on those and other attractions, of course, IS.

 

[PatriceA]

Ok, thanks for the answers however I am asking what the views are on a non-marital relationship. Since it’s ok to be in a non-marital relationship if you’re not having sex, does the Church say that a relationship of that sort is ok so long as pedophilia is not involved?

I am confused by this statement. A non-marital relationship that does not involve sex should never be confused with a pedophile and his/her victim. There are too many dynamics in the situation that a pedophile uses to control his victim and commit his crime.

 

[Melek]

I am confused by this statement. A non-marital relationship that does not involve sex should never be confused with a pedophile and his/her victim. There are too many dynamics in the situation that a pedophile uses to control his victim and commit his crime.

I initially used the word pedophilia wrongly. I had no idea it meant specifically having a sexual desire for pre-pubescent children.

I’m asking though if age matters on dating so long as nobody is pre-pubescent and the local jurisdiction laws are followed.

Also, what is the Church’s view on being pre-pubescent? Does someone stop being pre-pubescent the moment they start the process of puberty?

 

[Holly3278]

I don’t know about other states but it used to be the case at least that here in Indiana, it was only child molestation if the person molested was 14 or under. Personally, I think that is disgusting.