Correct. There is no theological basis for denying sacraments based on someone’s legal standing. In practice, this happens everywhere though (in different forms and for different reasons). We don’t do things just based off of theology. It is up to canon lawyers to help the Church determine when this type of tension is an appropriate form of discernment. And on the whole they do a good job reconciling that tension and offering a bridge to theology. But a big part of the synod is recognizing that both theologians and canon lawyers need to integrate their work in a stronger more wholistic way.
I'm glad to hear this, because I remember reading something to the contrary before. In fact it was in The Pillar
"To formally leave the Church in Germany, a baptized Catholic must book an appointment at a local registry office or court, provide official documents, and pay a fee of around $35. They are given a certificate confirming that they are no longer registered and therefore not liable for the country’s church tax.
They also receive a letter from local Church officials, informing them they can no longer receive the sacraments, hold Church posts, or serve as baptismal or confirmation sponsors."
My understanding is that Rome told the German bishops they could not deny the sacraments to people in this situation.
Correct. There is no theological basis for denying sacraments based on someone’s legal standing. In practice, this happens everywhere though (in different forms and for different reasons). We don’t do things just based off of theology. It is up to canon lawyers to help the Church determine when this type of tension is an appropriate form of discernment. And on the whole they do a good job reconciling that tension and offering a bridge to theology. But a big part of the synod is recognizing that both theologians and canon lawyers need to integrate their work in a stronger more wholistic way.
I'm glad to hear this, because I remember reading something to the contrary before. In fact it was in The Pillar
"To formally leave the Church in Germany, a baptized Catholic must book an appointment at a local registry office or court, provide official documents, and pay a fee of around $35. They are given a certificate confirming that they are no longer registered and therefore not liable for the country’s church tax.
They also receive a letter from local Church officials, informing them they can no longer receive the sacraments, hold Church posts, or serve as baptismal or confirmation sponsors."