Various Catholic websites have begun quoting anonymous sources which have stated that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) has sent a letter (with the approval of Pope Francis) to German bishops rejecting the proposal offered by the overwhelming majority of the German Conference of Bishops to allow some Protestant spouses to receive Holy Communion.
The Vatican response came after seven German bishops, led by Cardinal Rainer Woelki of Cologne, wrote to the CDF last month to say they believed the proposal to allow some Protestant spouses to receive communion contradicted Catholic doctrine, undermined Church unity and exceeded the competence of the bishops' conference. They wanted the Vatican to clarify Church teaching and practice regarding such a proposal.
After intense debate, the Conference of Bishops concluded that permission could be granted if, having made a 'serious examination' of conscience with a priest or another person with pastoral responsibilities, the spouse 'affirms the faith of the Catholic Church', wishes to end 'serious spiritual distress' and has a 'longing to satisfy a hunger for the Eucharist'.
Canon 844 (4) of the 1983 Code of Canon Lawstates: If the danger of death is present or if, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or conference of bishops, some other grave necessity urges it, Catholic ministers administer these same Sacraments (Penance, Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick) licitly also to other Christians not having full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who seek such on their own accord, provided that they manifest Catholic faith in respect to these sacraments and are properly disposed.
The German Bishops’ Conference questioned whether a Protestant spouse’s distress at not being able to receive Communion could amount to “some other grave necessity” under the meaning of Canon 844 (4).
Some argued that “manifesting Catholic faith in respect to these Sacraments” is not obvious in the case of Protestant spouses who have not become Catholic and do not wish to do so.
Canon 844 (4) does soften the language of the 1917 Code, which stated bluntly that it was “forbidden to minister the Sacraments of the Church to heretics and schismatics, even though they are in good faith and ask for them, unless they have first renounced their errors and been reconciled to the Church”. With little concern for any ecumenical consequences, the Canon did make clear that participating in the Sacraments is a sign of unity within the Church.
Though limited in practice, intercommunion is possible with the Orthodox Churches who share the faith that Holy Communion is the reception of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ Himself. Most Protestant denominations do not hold to this Catholic teaching.
We shall see whether or not the reporting regarding this letter from the CDF is true and accurate.
During my active ministry as Pastor, I was confronted with a situation involving a Protestant spouse who attended Mass every Sunday with her Catholic husband and who, respecting the reservations of the Church, did not approach to receive Holy Communion. However, when I began the practice of offering the Anointing of the Sick publicly to the ill or infirm who requested it after Mass, the Protestant spouse asked to receive the Sacrament. My familiarity with Cannon 844(4) as a Canon lawyer gave me confidence and assurance that in administering the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick I was following both the letter and the spirit of Catholic teaching in this particular case.
I was hopeful that Pope Francis would have approved the proposal of the German Bishops’ Conference for the reception of Holy Communion to Protestant spouses who, admitting Catholic Faith regarding the Eucharist, respectively requested the Sacrament.
As of this writing, it is not clear whether Pope Francis rejected the proposal or may have asked the German Bishops’ Conference for greater clarification.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire all Bishops everywhere to encourage legitimate and thoughtful consideration of proposal which would help fulfill the Divine Wish of the Lord that there truly be “one flock and One Shepherd” some day.
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