Article VI. Spiritual Relationship

Spiritual relationship arises by ecclesiastical law from the administration of Baptism and Confirmation, but only that which arises from Baptism is a diriment impediment of marriage (Can. 1079). According to modern discipline, it annuls marriage between the minister of the sacrament and the recipient, and also between the sponsors and the recipient. As it has its origin in ecclesiastical law, it does not affect those who are not baptized, and the impediment is doubtful and consequently non-existent when Baptism is doubtful or only probable. The impediment, as far as it affects sponsors, does not arise if Baptism was administered privately without sponsors and afterward the ceremonies with sponsors are supplied in the Church.