Censor Librorum
Encyclopedia
In the Roman Catholic Church
, the Censor Librorum is an ecclesiastical authority charged with reviewing texts and granting the nihil obstat
. The Latin Censor Librorum translates as "censor of books."
While the title may suggest the function of suppressing books critical or otherwise unpopular with the Church, this is not the function of the Censor Librorum. Rather, it is the responsibility of the Censor Librorum to review texts for doctrinal accuracy. A text that is doctrinally correct (that is, does not contain any statements that contradict Church doctrine) but portrays the Church or Church officials in a negative manner must still be granted the nihil obstat.
The office of Censor Librorum is a diocesan office
, appointed by the diocesan bishop
. The function is typically performed by a priest, but if no priest
is available, the function could be performed by a theologically educated layperson under a special dispensation.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, the Censor Librorum is an ecclesiastical authority charged with reviewing texts and granting the nihil obstat
Nihil obstat
Nihil obstat is a declaration of no objection to an initiative or an appointment....
. The Latin Censor Librorum translates as "censor of books."
While the title may suggest the function of suppressing books critical or otherwise unpopular with the Church, this is not the function of the Censor Librorum. Rather, it is the responsibility of the Censor Librorum to review texts for doctrinal accuracy. A text that is doctrinally correct (that is, does not contain any statements that contradict Church doctrine) but portrays the Church or Church officials in a negative manner must still be granted the nihil obstat.
The office of Censor Librorum is a diocesan office
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
, appointed by the diocesan bishop
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
. The function is typically performed by a priest, but if no priest
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
is available, the function could be performed by a theologically educated layperson under a special dispensation.