Exercise Your Canon 212.3 Rights

Pewsitter.com has published an on-line petition by which Catholics may call upon bishops to withhold holy Communion from Catholic political figures who gravely disregard Church teaching on certain fundamental life issues.

According to Edward N. Peters, JD, JCD, this petition seems "to qualify under 1983 CIC 212.3 as one way of helping the faithful to express 'to sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful.'" He goes on to say: "I do not think the petition pretends to an expertise it cannot claim, nor does it seem to be violative of basic norms on faith, morals, reverence toward pastors, etc. It does not impugn the fidelity of those who choose not to sign."

The petition calls for withholding of holy Communion under Canon 915. You go onto the site, fill in some info, including your diocese, so that your Bishop will know how you feel. The info will also be sent on to Cardinal George the President of the USCCB and the Vatican so that they will know how we feel.

There has been some criticism of the petition & the call to apply Canon 915. But, as Dr. Peters points out, Abp. Raymond Burke ( whom he describes as "a prelate whose credentials in canon law dwarf mine") offers a powerful, and I suggest compelling, case for the application of Canon 915 in the face of the metastasizing scandal of the prominent pro-abortion Catholic politician.

In light of Papa Benedetto's recent comments on Catholic politicians, here is a way we can say we support what he says & let our Bishops know that we support them in taking this action should it be needed.

______________

Dr. Peters offers an excellent look at what is right about how this petition is being handled as well as some constructive suggestions on how it could be better presented on the website.

Source: The Pewsitter Petition on Canon 915