Q390 – How Do I Respond to Someone Who Dismisses Catholic Church Laws as Man-Made, Not God-Given?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt
Date: July 13, 2025
The Church cannot dispense divine laws revealed by God, such as restrictions on public sinners receiving Communion, marriage’s indissolubility, or the male-only priesthood. These are divine truths. However, many canonical laws, like fasting regulations, are human laws and can be changed or dispensed by Church authorities for just reasons.
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It depends on which laws we are talking about. I cannot say this when these laws of the Church regard divine truth, revealed truth, or divine law. The Church cannot dispense laws inspired by God because they are divine revelation.

For example, when the Church says that a public sinner, or a person who is publicly known to be in a state of grave sin by their way of life or actions, cannot receive Holy Communion without repentance, this is based on Saint Paul. It is the inspired Word of God. Saint Paul says that whoever eats the body of Christ and drinks His blood unworthily is eating and drinking judgment upon themselves. This is the Word of God, not just a Church law.

It also applies when the Church teaches the indissolubility of marriage. This is not merely a Church law; it is God who established it. The indissolubility of marriage is divine law. Likewise, the prohibition for adulterers to receive Holy Communion touches on divine law, the worthiness to receive Holy Communion, the sacredness of the Eucharist, and the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage.

Also, when the Church prohibits the ordination of women, this is not just a Church law. It is a divine law connected to the structure of the Church, which Christ gave. The sacrament of Holy Orders can be received only by male faithful. These are just some examples.

However, many of the laws in the so-called Code of Canon Law are human laws that can be changed or dispensed. For example, laws about fasting can be dispensed by a parish priest or bishop for just reasons. This is a Church law.