Code gives rights

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

As the 25th anniversary of the 1983 "Code of Canon Law" draws near, the Catholic laity should become more aware of the rights and responsibilities it gives them, said Fr. Kevin McKenna.

The code's emphasis on rights and corresponding obligations are both important and overlooked contributions to the church, wrote Fr. McKenna in an article, "The Rights of God's People" in America (2/19/07) a magazine published by the Jesuits of the United States.

The council fathers of Vatican II "had a vision of a church in which rights would be esteemed and acknowledged" and the code gives basic human rights official standing in church law, Fr. McKenna wrote. He is the pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Rochester, N.Y., and the author of A Concise Guide to Your Rights in the Catholic Church (Ave Maria Press, 2006).

These rights and comments by Fr. McKenna include:

• The Right to Make Known Needs. This right (Canon 212, 2) comes through baptism and means, for example, that the faithful are encouraged "to raise questions and seek solutions to such critical and practical issues" as the availability or nonavailability of the sacraments at a time of declining numbers of priests. "Pastoral planning attends to many variables, including changing demographics and population trends. But the sacramental life of the community and how well it will be sustained is an essential part of the equation of a Eucharistic church." Being free to speak up and share in the dialogue often brings the best solutions.

• The Right to Make Known Opinions. "Each member of the Christian faithful has the right to express his or her opinions to pastors (Canon 212, 3)." Pastors must listen carefully and openly to sincere and legitimately expressed opinions and weigh them based on the knowledge and competence of those offering them.

• The Right to Reputation and Privacy (Canon 220). We each have the right to a good reputation, so when issues such as charges of sexual misconduct by clergy arise, investigations must be done prudently and carefully to avoid damaging the name of both the accused and the accuser.

• The Right to Vindicate and Defend Rights. The accused have a right to self-defense. Pastors must help anyone who believes their rights were violated. Penalties must conform to the norms of the law and can be levied after due process and only as a last resort (Canons 213, 221).

• Employment Rights. Church employees must be properly trained and receive a just and decent wage, including social security, retirement and health benefits (Canon 231).

• Corresponding Obligations. The Christian faithful must take into account the common good of the church, build up the body of Christ, spread the Gospel through a Christian lifestyle, observe what their pastors teach, support the church financially and work for social justice.

As others have noted before, the Code of Canon Law is truly a bill of rights for Catholic laity.