Heresy

An offence which consists not in a total denial of Christianity, but of some of its essential doctrines, publicly and obstinately avowed. What in old times used to be adjudged heresy was left to the determination of the ecclesiastical judge; and the statute 2 Hen. 4, c. 15, defines heretics as teachers of erroneous opinions, contrary to the faith and blessed determinations of the holy church. Various laws have been passed before and after the reformation explaining wholly or partially what is meant by heresy. Heresy is now subject only to ecclesiastical correction, by virtue of Stat. 29 Car. 2, c.

9; 4 Bla. Com. 44; 4 Steph. Com. 203.

See Excommunication; Ecclesiastical Courts. Since 1677 no person could be indicted in England for heresy, but it is said to be theoretically possible that one guilty of heresy may be excommunicated and imprisoned for six months by an ecclesiastical court.