ABSTRACT
Catholic theology has always carefully distinguished between revealed articles of faith, beliefs connected with revelation, and opinions commonly held by theologians. Many thoughtful theologians and canonists suggested before the last revision of the Code of Canon Law that automatic excommunications should be abolished altogether. In the Catholic world, the best way of promoting and safeguarding the doctrine of faith is to create a climate of trust where the process described by St Anselm of Canterbury as ‘faith seeking understanding’ can flourish. On 29 June 1997, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith promulgated new procedural rules entitled Regulations for the Examination of Doctrines. The expression ‘dangerous doctrine’ gives a broad scope to the examiners: with its help they can reach far and wide. The integral mission of the Congregation goes well beyond investigating, prosecuting, and punishing offences against the faith.
