User:Communicatioinsacris/Communicatio in Sacris

Communicatio in Sacris (Latin: Communion in the Sacred) is a theological maxim used by the Roman Catholic Church in prohibiting prayers with non-Catholics; or, in receiving valid but illict Sacraments at the hands of non-Catholic clergy.

The Old Testament teaching:

In the Old Testament God forbade Israel to worship false deities and share in heretical rites and sacrifices with non-believers:

"And Moses arose, and went to Dathan and Abiron: and the ancients of Israel following him, He said to the multitude: Depart from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be involved in their sins" (Numbers 16:25-26).

The New Testament teaching:

In the New Testament Christ told the Samaritan woman: “For the Jews do not communicate with the Samaritans,” that she worshipped “that which she knew not,” and furthermore that God is to be worshipped in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:9-24).

In Saint Paul’s Epistle, he exhorts:

'''“Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice?”''' (2 Cor. 6:14).

St. John the Evangelist boldly declares:

“If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine [of the Catholic faith], receive him not into the house [the Church] nor say to him, God speed you” (2 John 1:10).

The Early Church teaching:

The Early Church condemned praying with heretics:

“Let a bishop, presbyter, or deacon,who has only prayed with heretics, be excommunicated: but if he has permitted them to perform any clerical office, let him be deposed” (The Apostolical Canons, Canon 44).

Saint Heremengild's refusal and death:

Saint Heremengild (585†A.D.) was put to death by order of his father for refusing to receive Easter Communion from the hands of an Arian Bishop (St. Pope Gregory the Great, in Dial. b. iii. c. 31.).