What is a singular decree?

What is a singular decree?

• A. An administrative decision by a Church authority for a specific case or person
• B. A general law affecting the entire Church
• C. A teaching document
• D. A liturgical directive

Answer: (A)

In canon law, a singular decree is a formal decision issued by a competent Church authority that is directed to a specific person or case. It settles that particular petition or matter and binds only the named individual or situation, not the entire Church. This is what sets it apart from a general law, which lays down norms for all; a teaching document, which conveys doctrine to the wider Church; and a liturgical directive, which governs worship practices. For example, a bishop granting a dispensation to a particular person is a singular decree because it applies to that person in that instance rather than creating universal law.

In canon law, a singular decree is a formal decision issued by a competent Church authority that is directed to a specific person or case. It settles that particular petition or matter and binds only the named individual or situation, not the entire Church. This is what sets it apart from a general law, which lays down norms for all; a teaching document, which conveys doctrine to the wider Church; and a liturgical directive, which governs worship practices. For example, a bishop granting a dispensation to a particular person is a singular decree because it applies to that person in that instance rather than creating universal law.