What the Catholic Catechism Says About Fornication
In short
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines fornication as carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman (paragraph 2353). It calls it gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of human sexuality, and treats it under the sixth commandment, which Church tradition reads as covering the whole of human sexuality.
What the full article will cover
- How does the Catechism define fornication?
- Why does Catholic teaching link fornication to the sixth commandment?
- Is fornication a mortal sin?
- What role does confession play?
- How many US Catholics agree with the teaching?
Frequently asked questions
- Is living together before marriage a sin for Catholics?
- Can a Catholic receive communion after fornication?
- Does the Church distinguish fornication from adultery?
Sources
- vatican.va — https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P85.HTM
- vatican.va — https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P84.HTM
- pewresearch.org — https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/08/31/half-of-u-s-christians-say-casual-sex-between-consenting-adults-is-sometimes-or-always-acceptable/
General information, not legal or religious advice.