Can. 747 §1 It is the
obligation and inherent right of the Church, independent of any human authority, to preach
the Gospel to all peoples, using for this purpose even its own means of social
communication, for it is to the Church that Christ the Lord entrusted the deposit of
faith, so that by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, it might conscientiously guard
revealed truth, more intimately penetrate it, and faithfully proclaim and expound it.
§2 The Church has the right
always and everywhere to proclaim moral principles, even in respect of the social order,
and to make judgements about any human matter in so far as this is required by fundamental
human rights or the salvation of souls.
Can. 748 §1 All are bound
to seek the truth in the matters which concern God and his Church; when they have found
it, then by divine law they are bound, and they have the right, to embrace and keep it.
§2 It is never lawful for
anyone to force others to embrace the catholic faith against their conscience.
Can. 749 §1 In virtue of
his office the Supreme Pontiff is infallible in his teaching when, as chief Shepherd and
Teacher of all Christ’s faithful, with the duty of strengthening his brethren in the
faith, he proclaims by definitive act a doctrine to be held concerning faith or morals.
§2 The College of Bishops
also possesses infallibility in its teaching when the Bishops, gathered together in an
Ecumenical Council and exercising their magisterium as teachers and judges of faith and
morals, definitively declare for the universal Church a doctrine to be held concerning
faith or morals; likewise, when the Bishops, dispersed throughout the world but
maintaining the bond of union among themselves and with the successor of Peter, together
with the same Roman Pontiff authentically teach matters of faith or morals, and are agreed
that a particular teaching is definitively to be held.
§3 No doctrine is
understood to be infallibly defined unless this is manifestly demonstrated.
Can. 750 Those things are to
be believed by divine and catholic faith which are contained in the word of God as it has
been written or handed down by tradition, that is, in the single deposit of faith
entrusted to the Church, and which are at the same time proposed as divinely revealed
either by the solemn magisterium of the Church, or by its ordinary and universal
magisterium, which is manifested by the common adherence of Christ’s faithful under
the guidance of the sacred magisterium. All are therefore bound to shun any contrary
doctrines.
Can. 751 Heresy is the
obstinate denial or doubt, after baptism, of a truth which must be believed by divine and
catholic faith. Apostasy is the total repudiation of the christian faith. Schism is the
withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or from communion with the members of the
Church subject to him.
Can. 752 While the assent of
faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any
doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising their
authentic magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith or morals, even though they do not
intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ’s faithful are therefore
to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine.
Can. 753 Whether they teach
individually, or in Episcopal Conferences, or gathered together in particular councils,
Bishops in communion with the head and the members of the College, while not infallible in
their teaching, are the authentic instructors and teachers of the faith for Christ’s
faithful entrusted to their care. The faithful are bound to adhere, with a religious
submission of mind, to this authentic magisterium of their Bishops.
Can. 754 All Christ’s
faithful are obliged to observe the constitutions and decrees which lawful ecclesiastical
authority issues for the purpose of proposing doctrine or of proscribing erroneous
opinions; this is particularly the case of those published by the Roman Pontiff or by the
College of Bishops.
Can. 755 §1 It pertains
especially to the entire College of Bishops and to the Apostolic See to foster and direct
among catholics the ecumenical movement, the purpose of which is the restoration of unity
between all christians which, by the will of Christ, the Church is bound to promote.
§2 It is a matter likewise
for Bishops and, in accordance with the law, for Episcopal Conferences, to promote this
same unity and, in line with the various needs and opportunities of the circumstances, to
issue practical norms which accord with the provisions laid down by the supreme authority
of the Church.
TITLE I: THE MINISTRY OF THE DIVINE WORD
Can. 756 §1 The office of
preaching the Gospel to the whole Church has been committed principally to the Roman
Pontiff and to the College of Bishops.
§2 For the particular
Churches entrusted to them, that office is exercised by the individual Bishops, who are
the moderators of the entire ministry of the word in their Churches. Sometimes, however,
in accordance with the law, a number of Bishops simultaneously carry out that office
together in respect of a number of different Churches.
Can. 757 It belongs to
priests, as co-operators of the Bishops, to proclaim the Gospel of God. For the people
entrusted to their care, this task rests especially on parish priests, and on other
priests entrusted with the care of souls. Deacons also are to serve the people of God in
the ministry of the word, in union with the Bishop and his presbyterium.
Can. 758 By reason of their
consecration to God, members of institutes of consecrated life bear particular witness to
the Gospel, and so are fittingly called upon by the Bishop to help in proclaiming the
Gospel.
Can. 759 The lay members of
Christ’s faithful, by reason of their baptism and confirmation, are witnesses to the
good news of the Gospel, by their words and by the example of their christian life. They
can also be called upon to cooperate with Bishops and priests in the exercise of the
ministry of the word.
Can. 760 The mystery of
Christ is to be faithfully and fully presented in the ministry of the word, which must be
founded upon sacred Scripture, Tradition, liturgy and the magisterium and life of the
Church.
Can. 761 While pride of
place must always be given to preaching and catechetical instruction, all the available
means of proclaiming christian doctrine are to be used: the exposition of doctrine in
schools, in institutes of higher learning, at conferences and meetings of all kinds;
public declarations by lawful authority on the occasion of certain events; the printed
word and other means of social communication.
Chapter I : PREACHING THE WORD OF GOD
Can. 762 The people of God
are first united through the word of the living God, and are fully entitled to seek this
word from their priests. For this reason sacred ministers are to consider the office of
preaching as of great importance, since proclaiming the Gospel of God to all is among
their principal duties.
Can. 763 Bishops have the
right to preach the word of God everywhere, even in churches and oratories of religious
institutes of pontifical right, unless the local Bishop has expressly forbidden it in
particular cases.
Can. 764 Without prejudice
to the provisions of can. 765, priests and deacons, with the at least presumed consent of
the rector of a church, have the faculty to preach everywhere, unless this faculty has
been restricted or removed by the competent Ordinary, or unless particular law requires
express permission.
Can. 765 To preach to
religious in their churches or oratories, permission is required of the Superior who is
competent according to their constitutions.
Can. 766 The laity may be
allowed to preach in a church or oratory if in certain circumstances it is necessary, or
in particular cases it would be advantageous, according to the provisions of the Episcopal
Conference and without prejudice to can. 767 §1.
Can. 767 §1 The most
important form of preaching is the homily, which is part of the liturgy, and is reserved
to a priest or deacon. In the course of the liturgical year, the mysteries of faith and
the rules of christian living are to be expounded in the homily from the sacred text.
§2 At all Masses on Sundays
and holydays of obligation, celebrated with a congregation, there is to be a homily and,
except for a grave reason, this may not be omitted.
§3 It is strongly
recommended that, if a sufficient number of people are present, there be a homily at
weekday Masses also, especially during Advent and Lent, or on a feast day or an occasion
of grief.
§4 It is the responsibility
of the parish priest or the rector of a church to ensure that these provisions are
carefully observed.
Can. 768 §1 Those who
announce the word of God to Christ’s faithful are first and foremost to set out those
things which it is necessary to believe and to practise for the glory of God and the
salvation of all.
§2 They are also to explain
to the faithful the teaching of the magisterium of the Church concerning the dignity and
freedom of the human person; the unity, stability and duties of the family; people’s
social obligations and the ordering of temporal affairs according to the plan established
by God.
Can. 769 Christian teaching
is to be explained in a manner that is suited to the condition of the hearers and adapted
to the circumstances of the times.
Can. 770 At certain times,
according to the regulations of the diocesan Bishop, parish priests are to arrange for
sermons in the form of retreats and missions, as they are called, or in other forms
adapted to requirements.
Can. 771 §1 Pastors of
souls, especially Bishops and parish priests, are to be solicitous that the word of God is
preached to those also of the faithful who, because of the circumstances of their lives,
cannot sufficiently avail themselves of the ordinary pastoral care or are even totally
deprived of it.
§2 They are also to take
care that the good news of the Gospel reaches those living in their territory who are
non-believers, since these too, no less than the faithful, must be included in the care of
souls.
Can. 772 §1 In the exercise
of the office of preaching, everyone is moreover to observe the norms laid down by the
Bishop of the diocese.
§2 In expounding christian
teaching on radio or television, the provisions of the Episcopal Conference are to be
observed.
Chapter II : CATECHETICAL FORMATION
Can. 773 It is pastors of
souls especially who have the serious duty of attending to the catechesis of the christian
people, so that, through doctrinal formation and the experience of the christian life, the
living faith of the people may be manifest and active.
Can. 774 §1 The care for
catechesis, under the direction of lawful ecclesiastical authority, extends to all members
of the Church, to each according to his or her role.
§2 Before all others,
parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in christian
living. The same obligation binds godparents and those who take the place of parents.
Can. 775 §1 While observing
provisions made by the Apostolic See it is the responsibility of diocesan Bishops to issue
norms concerning catechetical matters; to ensure that appropriate means of catechesis are
available, even by preparing a catechism, if this seems opportune; to foster and to
coordinate catechetical initiatives.
§2 If it is thought to be
useful, the Episcopal Conference may, with the prior approval of the Apostolic See,
publish catechisms for its territory.
§3 The Episcopal Conference
may establish a catechetical office, whose principal purpose is to assist individual
dioceses in catechetical matters.
Can. 776 By virtue of his
office, the parish priest is bound to ensure the catechetical formation of adults, young
people and children. To this end, he is to avail himself of the help of clerics attached
to the parish, as well as of members of institutes of consecrated life and of societies of
apostolic life, being mindful of the character of each institute; and the assistance of
lay members of Christ’s faithful, especially catechists. All of these, unless they
are lawfully impeded, are not to refuse to give their labours willingly. The parish priest
is also to promote and to foster the role of parents in the family catechesis mentioned in
can. 774, §2.
Can. 777 In a special way,
the parish priest is to ensure, in accordance with the norms laid down by the diocesan
Bishop, that:
1° an adequate catechesis
is given for the celebration of the sacraments;
2° children are properly
prepared for first confession and first holy communion, and for the sacrament of
confirmation, by means of catechetical formation over an appropriate period of time;
3° children, after they
have made their first holy communion, are given a richer and deeper catechetical
formation;
4° as far as their
condition allows, catechetical formation is given to the mentally and physically
handicapped;
5° the faith of young
people and of adults is strengthened, enlightened and developed by various catechetical
methods and initiatives .
Can. 778 Religious Superiors
and Superiors of societies of apostolic life are to ensure that catechetical formation is
diligently given in their churches and schools, and in other works in any way entrusted to
their care.
Can. 779 Catechetical
formation is to be given by employing all those aids, educational resources and means of
communication which seem the more effective in securing that the faithful, according to
their character capability, age and circumstances of life, may be more fully steeped in
catholic teaching and prepared to put it into practice.
Can. 780 Local Ordinaries
are to ensure that catechists are duly trained to carry out their office properly, namely,
that continuing formation is available to them, that they have an appropriate knowledge of
the teaching of the Church, and that they learn both the theory and the practice of the
principles of pedagogy.
TITLE II: THE MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE CHURCH
Can. 781 Because the whole
Church is of its nature missionary and the work of evangelisation is to be considered a
fundamental duty of the people of God, all Christ’s faithful must be conscious of the
responsibility to play their part in missionary activity.
Can. 782 §1 The Roman
Pontiff and the College of Bishops have the responsibility for the overall direction and
coordination of the initiatives and activities which concern missionary work and
cooperation.
§2 As the sponsors of the
universal Church and of all the Churches, all Bishops are to have a special solicitude for
missionary activity, especially by arousing, fostering and sustaining missionary
initiatives in their own particular Churches.
Can. 783 Members of
institutes of consecrated life, because of the dedication to the service of the Church
deriving from their very consecration, have an obligation to play a zealous and special
part in missionary activity, in a manner appropriate to their institute.
Can. 784 Missionaries, that
is, those who have been sent by the competent ecclesiastical authority to engage in
missionary activity, may be chosen from the indigenous population or from others, be they
secular clergy, or members of institutes of consecrated life or of a society of apostolic
life, or other lay members of Christ’s faithful.
Can. 785 §1 Catechists are
to be given a role in missionary work. These are lay members of Christ’s faithful who
have received proper formation and are outstanding in their living of the christian life.
Under the direction of missionaries, they are to present the Gospel teaching and engage in
liturgical worship and in works of charity.
§2 Catechists are to
receive their formation in schools founded for this purpose. If there are no such schools,
they are to be formed under the direction of the missionaries.
Can. 786 Missionary activity
properly so called, whereby the Church is founded amongst peoples or groups where it has
not taken root before, is performed principally by the Church sending heralds of the
Gospel, until such time as the new Churches are fully constituted, that is, have their own
resources and sufficient means, so that they themselves can carry on the work of
evangelisation.
Can. 787 §1 By the
testimony of their words and of their lives, missionaries are to establish a sincere
dialogue with those who do not believe in Christ, so that, taking their native character
and culture into account, ways may be opened up by which they can be led to know the good
news of the Gospel.
§2 Missionaries are to
ensure that they teach the truths of the faith to those whom they judge to be ready to
receive the good news of the Gospel, so that, if they freely request it, they may be
admitted to the reception of baptism.
Can. 788 §1 Those who have
expressed the wish to embrace faith in Christ, and who have completed the period of their
preliminary catechumenate, are to be admitted to the catechumenate proper in a liturgical
ceremony; and their names are to be inscribed in the book which is kept for this purpose.
§2 By formation and their
first steps in christian living, catechumens are to be initiated into the mysteries of
salvation, and introduced into the life of faith, liturgy and charity of the people of
God, as well as into the apostolate.
§3 It is the responsibility
of the Episcopal Conference to establish norms concerning the arrangement of the
catechumenate, determining what should be done by catechumens and what should be their
prerogatives.
Can. 789 By means of
appropriate formation, neophytes are to be led to a deeper knowledge of the Gospel truths,
and to the fulfilment of the duties undertaken in baptism. They are also to be imbued with
a sincere love of Christ and his Church.
Can. 790 §1 In mission
territories, it is the responsibility of the diocesan Bishop:
1° to promote, regulate and
coordinate both new initiatives and established works concerning missionary activity;
2° to ensure that there are
proper agreements with the Moderators of those institutes which dedicate themselves to
missionary activities, and that relationships with them are for the good of the mission.
§2 The provisions made by
the diocesan Bishop in accordance with §1, n. 1 are binding on all missionaries,
including religious and their helpers residing in his territory.
Can. 791 In order to foster
missionary cooperation, in each diocese:
1° vocations to the mission
are to be promoted;
2° a priest is to be
appointed to promote missionary initiatives, especially the ‘Pontifical Missionary
Works’;
3° a day for the missions
is to be celebrated annually;
4° each year an appropriate
financial contribution for the missions is to be sent to the Holy See.
Can. 792 The Episcopal
Conference is to establish and promote means by which those who come to their territory
from the missions, for the purpose of work or study, are to be given a fraternal welcome
and helped with suitable pastoral care.
TITLE III: CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Can. 793 §1 Parents, and
those who take their place, have both the obligation and the right to educate their
children. Catholic parents have also the duty and the right to choose those means and
institutes which, in their local circumstances, can best promote the catholic education of
their children.
§2 Parents have moreover
the right to avail themselves of that assistance from civil society which they need to
provide a catholic education for their children.
Can. 794 §1 The Church has
in a special way the duty and the right of educating, for it has a divine mission of
helping all to arrive at the fullness of christian life.
§2 Pastors of souls have
the duty of making all possible arrangements so that all the faithful may avail themselves
of a catholic education.
Can. 795 Education must pay
regard to the formation of the whole person, so that all may attain their eternal destiny
and at the same time promote the common good of society. Children and young persons are
therefore to be cared for in such a way that their physical, moral and intellectual
talents may develop in a harmonious manner, so that they may attain a greater sense of
responsibility and a right use of freedom, and be formed to take an active part in social
life.
Chapter
I : SCHOOLS
Can. 796 §1 Among the means
of advancing education, Christ’s faithful are to consider schools as of great
importance, since they are the principal means of helping parents to fulfil their role in
education.
§2 There must be the
closest cooperation between parents and the teachers to whom they entrust their children
to be educated. In fulfilling their task, teachers are to collaborate closely with the
parents and willingly listen to them; associations and meetings of parents are to be set
up and held in high esteem.
Can. 797 Parents must have a
real freedom in their choice of schools. For this reason Christ’s faithful must be
watchful that the civil society acknowledges this freedom of parents and, in accordance
with the requirements of distributive justice, even provides them with assistance.
Can. 798 Parents are to send
their children to those schools which will provide for their catholic education. If they
cannot do this, they are bound to ensure the proper catholic education of their children
outside the school.
Can. 799 Christ’s
faithful are to strive to secure that in the civil society the laws which regulate the
formation of the young, also provide a religious and moral education in the schools that
is in accord with the conscience of the parents.
Can. 800 §1 The Church has
the right to establish and to direct schools for any field of study or of any kind and
grade.
§2 Christ’s faithful
are to promote catholic schools, doing everything possible to help in establishing and
maintaining them.
Can. 801 Religious
institutes which have education as their mission are to keep faithfully to this mission
and earnestly strive to devote themselves to catholic education, providing this also
through their own schools which, with the consent of the diocesan Bishop, they have
established.
Can. 802 §1 If there are no
schools in which an education is provided that is imbued with a christian spirit, the
diocesan Bishop has the responsibility of ensuring that such schools are established.
§2 Where it is suitable,
the diocesan Bishop is to provide for the establishment of professional and technical
schools, and of other schools catering for special needs.
Can. 803 §1 A catholic
school is understood to be one which is under the control of the competent ecclesiastical
authority or of a public ecclesiastical juridical person, or one which in a written
document is acknowledged as catholic by the ecclesiastical authority.
§2 Formation and education
in a catholic school must be based on the principles of catholic doctrine, and the
teachers must be outstanding in true doctrine and uprightness of life.
§3 No school, even if it is
in fact catholic, may bear the title ‘catholic school’ except by the consent of
the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 804 §1 The formation
and education in the catholic religion provided in any school, and through various means
of social communication is subject to the authority of the Church. It is for the Episcopal
Conference to issue general norms concerning this field of activity and for the diocesan
Bishop to regulate and watch over it.
§2 The local Ordinary is to
be careful that those who are appointed as teachers of religion in schools, even
non-catholic ones, are outstanding in true doctrine, in the witness of their christian
life, and in their teaching ability.
Can. 805 In his own diocese,
the local Ordinary has the right to appoint or to approve teachers of religion and, if
religious or moral considerations require it, the right to remove them or to demand that
they be removed.
Can. 806 §1 The diocesan
Bishop has the right to watch over and inspect the catholic schools situated in his
territory, even those established or directed by members of religious institutes. He has
also the right to issue directives concerning the general regulation of catholic schools
these directives apply also to schools conducted by members of a religious institute,
although they retain their autonomy in the internal management of their schools.
§2 Those who are in charge
of catholic schools are to ensure, under the supervision of the local Ordinary, that the
formation given in them is, in its academic standards, at least as outstanding as that in
other schools in the area.
Chapter II : CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER
INSTITUTES OF HIGHER STUDIES
Can. 807 The Church has the
right to establish and to govern universi-ties, which serve to promote the deeper culture
and fuller development of the human person, and to complement the Church’s own
teaching office.
Can. 808 No university, even
if it is in fact catholic, may bear the title ‘catholic university’ except by
the consent of the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 809 If it is possible
and appropriate, Episcopal Conferences are to take care to have within their territories
suitably located universities or at least faculties, in which the various disciplines,
while retaining their own scientific autonomy, may be researched and taught in the light
of catholic doctrine.
Can. 810 §1 In catholic
universities it is the duty of the competent statutory authority to ensure that there be
appointed teachers who are not only qualified in scientific and pedagogical expertise, but
are also outstanding in their integrity of doctrine and uprightness of life. If these
requirements are found to be lacking, it is also that authority’s duty to see to it
that these teachers are removed from office, in accordance with the procedure determined
in the statutes.
§2 The Episcopal Conference
and the diocesan Bishops concerned have the duty and the right of seeing to it that, in
these universities, the principles of catholic doctrine are faithfully observed.
Can. 811 §1 The competent
ecclesiastical authority is to ensure that in catholic universities there is established a
faculty or an institute or at least a chair of theology, in which lectures are given to
lay students also.
§2 In every catholic
university there are to be lectures which principally treat of those theological questions
connected with the studies of each faculty.
Can. 812 Those who teach
theological subjects in any institute of higher studies must have a mandate from the
competent ecclesiastical authority.
Can. 813 The diocesan Bishop
is to be zealous in his pastoral care of students, even by the creation of a special
parish, or at least by appointing priests with a stable assignment to this care. In all
universities, even in those which are not catholic, the diocesan Bishop is to provide
catholic university centres, to be of assistance to the young people, especially in
spiritual matters.
Can. 814 The provisions
which are laid down for universities apply equally to other institutes of higher studies.
Chapter III : ECCLESIASTICAL UNIVERSITIES AND
FACULTIES
Can. 815 By virtue of its
office to announce revealed truth, it belongs to the Church to have its own ecclesiastical
universities and faculties to study the sacred sciences and subjects related to them, and
to teach these disciplines to students in a scientific manner.
Can. 816 §1 Ecclesiastical
universities and faculties may be constituted only by the Apostolic See or with its
approval. Their overall direction also belongs to the Apostolic See.
§2 Each ecclesiastical
university and faculty must have its own statutes and program of studies, approved by the
Apostolic See.
Can. 817 Only a university
or a faculty established or approved by the Apostolic See may confer academic degrees
which have canonical effects in the Church.
Can. 818 The provisions of
cann. 810,812 and 813 concerning catholic universities apply also to ecclesiastical
universities and faculties.
Can. 819 In so far as the
good of a diocese or religious institute or indeed even of the universal Church requires
it, young persons, clerics and members of institutes, outstanding in character,
intelligence and virtue, must be sent to ecclesiastical universities or faculties by their
diocesan Bishops or the Superiors of their institutes.
Can. 820 Moderators and
professors of ecclesiastical universities and faculties are to ensure that the various
faculties of the university cooperate with each other, to the extent that their aims
permit. They are also to ensure that between their own university or faculty and other
universities and faculties, even non-ecclesiastical ones, there be a mutual cooperation in
which, through conferences, coordinated scientific research and other means, they work
together for the greater increase of scientific knowledge.
Can. 821 Where it is
possible, the Episcopal Conference and the diocesan Bishop are to provide for the
establishment of institutes for higher religious studies, in which are taught theological
and other subjects pertaining to christian culture.
TITLE IV : THE MEANS OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION AND
BOOKS IN PARTICULAR
Can. 822 §1 In exercising
their office the pastors of the Church, availing themselves of a right which belongs to
the Church, are to make an ample use of the means of social communication.
§2 Pastors are also to
teach the faithful that they have the duty of working together so that the use of the
means of social communication may be imbued with a human and christian spirit.
§3 All Christ’s
faithful, especially those who in any way take part in the management or use of the media,
are to be diligent in assisting pastoral action, so that the Church can more effectively
exercise its office through these means.
Can. 823 §1 In order to
safeguard the integrity of faith and morals, pastors of the Church have the duty and the
right to ensure that in writings or in the use of the means of social communication there
should be no ill effect on the faith and morals of Christ’s faithful. They also have
the duty and the right to demand that where writings of the faithful touch upon matters of
faith and morals, these be submitted to their judgement. Moreover, they have the duty and
the right to condemn writings which harm true faith or good morals.
§2 For Christ’s
faithful entrusted to their care, the duty and the right mentioned in §1 belong to the
Bishops, both as individuals and in particular councils or Episcopal Conferences; for the
whole people of God, they belong to the supreme authority in the Church.
Can. 824 §1 Unless it is
otherwise provided, the local Ordinary whose permission or approval for publishing a book
is to be sought according to the canons of this title, is the author’s proper local
Ordinary, or the Ordinary of the place in which the book is published.
§2 Unless the contrary is
clear, what is said in the canons of this title about books, applies also to any writings
intended for publication.
Can. 825 §1 Books of the
sacred Scriptures may not be published unless they are approved by the Apostolic See or
the Episcopal Conference. The publication of translations of the sacred Scriptures
requires the approval of the same authority, and they must have necessary and sufficient
explanatory notes.
§2 With the permission of
the Episcopal Conference, catholic members of Christ’s faithful, in cooperation with
separated brethren, may prepare and publish versions of the Scriptures, with appropriate
explanatory notes.
Can. 826 §1 For liturgical
books, the provisions of can. 838 are to be observed.
§2 To republish liturgical
books or to publish translations of all or part of them, it must be established, by an
attestation of the Ordinary of the place in which they are published, that they accord
with an approved edition.
§3 Prayer books, for either
the public or the private use of the faithful, are not to be published except by
permission of the local Ordinary.
Can. 827 §1 Without
prejudice to the provisions of can. 775 §2, the publication of catechisms and other
writings pertaining to catechetical formation, as well as their translations, requires the
approval of the local Ordinary.
§2 Books dealing with
matters concerning sacred Scripture, theology, canon law, church history, or religious or
moral subjects may not be used as textbooks on which the instruction is based, in
elementary, intermediate or higher schools, unless they were published with the
approbation of the competent ecclesiastical authority or were subsequently approved by
that authority.
§3 It is recommended that
books dealing with the subjects mentioned in §2, even though not used as basic textbooks,
and any writings which specially concern religion or good morals, be submitted to the
judgement of the local Ordinary.
§4 Books or other written
material dealing with religion or morals may not be displayed, sold or given away in
churches or oratories, unless they were published with the permission of the competent
ecclesiastical authority or were subsequently approved by that authority.
Can. 828 Collections of
decrees or acts published by any ecclesiastical authority may not be republished without
first seeking the permission of the same authority and observing the conditions which it
lays down.
Can. 829 Approval or
permission to publish a work is valid only for the first edition, but not for new editions
or translations.
Can. 830 §1 Every local
Ordinary retains the right to appoint persons whom he considers competent to give a
judgement about books. The Episcopal Conference, however, may draw up a list of censors
who are outstanding for their knowledge, right doctrine and prudence, to be available to
diocesan curias; it may even establish a commission of censors whom the local Ordinary can
consult.
§2 In carrying out this
task, a censor must put aside all preference of persons and look only to the teaching of
the Church concerning faith and morals, as declared by its magisterium.
§3 The censor must give an
opinion in writing. If it is favourable, the Ordinary may, in his prudent judgement, give
his permission for the work to be published, adding his own name and the date and place of
the permission. If he does not give this permission, the Ordinary must inform the author
of the reasons for the refusal.
Can. 831 §1 Unless there is
a just and reasonable cause, no member of Christ’s faithful may write in newspapers,
pamphlets or periodicals which clearly are accustomed to attack the catholic religion or
good morals. Clerics and members of religious institutes may write in them only with the
permission of the local Ordinary.
§2 It is for the Episcopal
Conference to lay down norms determining the requirements for clerics and members of
religious institutes to take part in radio and television programmes which concern
catholic doctrine or morals.
Can. 832 To publish writings
on matters of religion or morals, members of religious institutes require also the
permission of their major Superior, in accordance with the constitutions.
TITLE V: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
Can. 833 The following are
personally bound to make a profession of faith, according to the formula approved by the
Apostolic See:
1° in the presence of the
president or his delegate: all who, with a deliberative or a consultative vote, take part
in an Ecumenical Council, a particular council, the synod of Bishops, or a diocesan synod;
in the presence of the council or synod: the president himself ;
2° in accordance with the
statutes of the sacred College: those promoted to the dignity of Cardinal;
3° in the presence of a
delegate of the Apostolic See: all who are promoted to the episcopate, and all those who
are equivalent to a diocesan Bishop;
4° in the presence of the
college of consultors: the diocesan Administrator;
5° in the presence of the
diocesan Bishop or his delegate: Vicars general, episcopal Vicars and judicial Vicars;
6° in the presence of the
local Ordinary or his delegate: parish priests; the rector, professors of theology and
philosophy in seminaries, at the beginning of their term of office; and those who are to
be promoted to the order of diaconate;
7° in the presence of the
Chancellor or, in the absence of the Chancellor, the local Ordinary, or the delegates of
either: the rector of an ecclesiastical or catholic university, at the beginning of the
term of office- in the presence of the rector if he is a priest, or of the local Ordinary
or the delegates of either: those who in any universities teach subjects which deal with
faith or morals, at the beginning of their term of office;
8° in accordance with the
constitutions: Superiors in religious institutes and clerical societies of apostolic life
