Nihil obstat
Nihil obstat (Latin for 'nothing hinders' or 'nothing stands in the way')[1] is a phrase traditionally used by Catholic Church authorities to formally declare that there is no objection to the publication of a book, or to some other proposed action.
Publishing
[edit]The phrase nihil obstat is used by a Catholic cleric known as a Censor Librorum (Latin for 'censor of books') to indicate that a book contains nothing contrary to Catholic doctrines, faith, or morals.[1] Canon law requires this approval for the publication of books by faithful Catholics if they "touch upon matters of faith and morals", and requires that pastors enforce this rule.[2] The Censor Librorum is delegated by a bishop to review the text in question over approximately two months.[3] If an author is a member of a religious institute, such as a monastery, and the book concerns religion or morals, then canon law further requires the imprimi potest ('it can be printed') of the major superior before publication.[4] Finally, the bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication gives the final approval, the imprimatur ('let it be printed').[5]
Marriage
[edit]A nihil obstat also refers to the document declaring that someone is free to marry due to lack of form in the previous marriage. It can also refer to a document of dispensation from certain impediments to marriage in the Catholic Church.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b The America Heritage Dictionary, archived from the original on 9 March 2007, retrieved 30 July 2009
- ^ Canon 823, section 1
- ^ Office of the Archbishop of Denver (1 January 2015). "Imprimatur Process". Denver: Archdiocese of Denver. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ "Code of Canon Law, canon 832". Intratext.com. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ "Code of Canon Law, canon 824". Intratext.com. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.